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STANDARD LITERATURE SERIES 


The Last of 



J. FENIMOEE COOPEE 

// 

CONDENSED FOE USE IN SCHOOLS 
WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND EXPLANATORY NOTES 

\ 0 




UNIVBESITY PUBLISHING COMPANY 

NEW YORK • BOSTON . NEW ORLEANS 


TO ACCOMPANY 

THE EAST OF THE MOHICANS” Ottawa 


2707 





♦** 1950 


Copyright, 1898 , by 

UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING COMPANY 



INTRODUCTION. 


“ The Last of the Mohicans ” is generally regarded as the best of 
Cooper’s novels. It is certainly one of the most popular. The principal 
hero is a young Indian chief, Uncas, son of Chingachgook, of the tribe 
of the Mohicans, or Mohegans, a kindred tribe to the Lenni Lenape, or 
Delawares. In both father and son, as they figure in the story, we have 
a good delineation of the attractive side of Indian character, while a 
strong type of the reverse is presented to us in the cunning and treach- 
erous Magua.. Of the other persons introduced, the most interesting, 
perhaps, is Ilawkeye, the scout, whom we have read of under a different 
name in another of the ‘Leatherstocking Tales ’(“The Deerslayer ” — 
Standard Literature Series, No. 8). A further charm is added to the 
book in the heroism exhibited by the two young ladies — Cora and Alice 
— in all the terrible scenes through which they are made to pass, and the 
humorous element is well represented in the oddities and peculiarities of 
Gamut, the singing master. The scene of the story is laid in the district 
of the Upper Hudson and Lake George, New York State, and the period 
is the third year (1757) of the French and Indian War. (See Historical 
Sketch below.) 

THE INDIANS. 

No one knows where the Indians came from. It is generally be- 
lieved that their ancestors crossed from Asia, by way of Bering Strait, 
a great many centuries ago, and, moving southward, gradually settled 
North and South America. 

They were divided into many tribes, each governed by a chief. 
Usually the chief was elected by the warriors of his tribe, but in a few 
tribes the office descended from father to son. A careful study of the 
language of the Indians proves that they belonged to fifty-eight distinct 
families. The tribes along the Atlantic Coast, from Labrador to Pamlico 
Sound, all belonged to the Algonquian family. They included the 
Massachusets, the Narragansets, the Pequots, the Mohegans, the Dela- 
vvares, the Pottawotomis, and the Powhatans. Massasoit, King Philip, 
Canonicus, and Powhatan were Algonquins. Other tribes of the Algon- 
quins extended across Canada and into the Mississippi valley as far 


4 


INTKODUCTION. 


south as the mouth of the Ohio. They included the Shawnees, the 
Miamis, the Illinois, and other tribes. Tecumseh was a chief of the 
Shawnees of the Algonquian family. On both sides of the St. Lawrence 
River and lakes Erie and Ontario lived the tribes belonging to another 
family called the Iroquois or Hurons. Their lands extended southward 
through Pennsylvania to Chesapeake Bay, and they were entirely sur- 
rounded by Algonquian tribes. The Nottoways of Virginia, the Tusca- 
roras of North Carolina, and the Cherokees, a very powerful tribe 
occupying the rich valleys of the Appalachian Mountains, from James 
River southeast to the Coosa and Chattahoochee rivers, also belonged to 
the Iroquois family. The Cherokees did not know this fact, but it has 
been clearly proven by a study of the language of the two tribes. 

The tribes between the Savannah River and the Mississippi belonged 
to the Muscogean, or Mobilian family. Those west of the Mississippi 
were Sioux, Caddoes, and Shoshones. 

Frequently a tribe wandered away from the family and settled 
among strangers. An instance of this is found in the Nottoway and 
Tuscarora tribes, who wandered away from the main body of the Iroquois 
and settled among the Algonquins on the Nottoway and Cape Pear rivers. 

Boundary lines between the different tribes were not definitely fixed. 
Tribes of the same linguistic family were usually entirely independent 
of each other. Two notable exceptions to this are found. Among the 
Muscogeans a number of tribes were united in the Creek Confederation. 

The Iroquois were united by the famous league of the Five Nations. 

The tribes constituting the Five Nations were the Mohawks, Oneidas, 
Senecas, Cayugas, and Onondagas. Early in the eighteenth century the 
Tuscaroras of the South united with them, forming the Six Nations. 

A perfect union existed among these tribes, and their method of govern- 
ment might well serve, in some respects, as a model for civilized people. 
They never numbered all told more than fifteen thousand people, and 
their largest fighting force was two thousand five hundred. Yet so splen- 
did was their organization that they virtually conquered the Algonquian 
tribes, and some historians believe that if the settlement of our country 
had taken place a century later these “ Romans of the New World ” would 
have brought all the tribes north of the Gulf of Mexico under their rule. 

The first approach to a census of the Five Nations was taken in 
1660, when they numbered about eleven thousand; to-day they are more 
than fifteen thousand in number, and the tribes are widely scattered. 
Some live upon the reservation set apart for them in the State of New , , . 
York, some in Canada, and others beyond the Mississippi. \ ■ 

Nearly all of the first settlers of our country were so dishonest and -’ ‘ - 


INTRODUCTION. 


5 


cruel toward the Indians that the Indians became bitter enemies. They 
went upon the war path, burned cabins, tomahawked men, women, and 
children, or carried them off into a dreadful captivity. 

William Penn, who settled Pennsylvania, called the chiefs together 
and paid them for the land. They saw that the Quakers were honest, 
and the treaty of peace which they made with “Father Penn” was not 
broken for more than half a century. The Indians with whom this 
famous treaty was made were the Leni-Lenape, or Delawares. 

Naturally the Indians became involved in the early colonial wars, 
sometimes fighting on the side of the French and sometimes on that of 
the English, for those two great nations were jealous rivals in the New 
World. King William’s War lasted from 1689 to 1697. The Indians of 
Canada and Maine fought for the French, while the Iroquois helped 
the English. Many fearful outrages were committed by the red men. 

When Queen Anne’s War broke out in 1702, the Iroquois remained 
neutral, because of a treaty made some time before with the French. 
The other savages ravaged the New England frontier until 1713, when 
the war came to an end. 

The Iroquois were broken up and scattered by the French and Indian 
War and afterwards by the Revolution. Glenerally they fought on the 
side of the English against the French. They were divided during the 
Revolution, when the Mohawks, Senecas, Cayugas, and Onondagas fought 
for the English, while the Oneidas and Tuscaroras helped the Americans. 
In 1784 the Mohawks removed to Upper Canada. In the war of 1812, 
the Senecas arrayed themselves on the side of the Americans, though a 
part of the tribe in Ohio joined the English. This band removed to 
Indian Territory in 1831, but the rest of the tribe remained in New 
York. The Cayugas were so ferocious that General Sullivan destroyed 
their villages in 1779, and the British destroyed the villages of the Onei- 
das on account of the valuable aid they gave us. For this loss our gov- 
ernment made them compensation in 1794. In 1785 and 1788, this tribe 
ceded their lands to the State of New York. Later some of them went 
to Canada, while a large number in 1821 acquired lands on Green Bay, 
Wisconsin. The Onondagas in 1788 ceded all their territory to New 
York, with the exception of a small tract which they still hold. 

The Indians were very fierce and merciless in war. One of their 
peculiar weapons was the tomahawk. This was a kind of a hatchet 
which, as made by the natives, had a head of stone, attached by thongs 
to the end of the shaft, but in later times steel heads, supplied by white 
traders, came into use. The head of the tomahawk was often hollowed 
out to suit the purpose of a smoking-pipe, the mouth-piece being in 


6 


INTEODUCTION. 


the end of the shaft. In war the Indians used the tomahawk not only 
in hand-to-hand fighting, but to throw at the enemy, and they did this 
so skilfully that very often the sharp edge first struck the person 
aimed at. The Indians also fought with bows and arrows, as well as, in 
later times, with firearms, and they had knives, which they used in the 
barbarous practice of scalping. When they killed or captured an enemy 
they usually cut ofl; his scalp — the skin and hair of the top of the skull — 
and carried it away as a trophy of victory, and the warrior’s bravery and 
success on the war-path were judged, among his own people, chiefiy by 
the number of scalps he could show. 

HISTORICAL SKETCH. 

For a long time England and France claimed the same territory in 
America. England, basing her claim on the explorations of John and 
Sebastian Cabot in 1497 and 1498, regarded the entire North American 
continent as her own, and English colonies were established along nearly 
the whole Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida. The claim of France 
was based on the discoveries and explorations of Verrazzani, Cartier, 
Champlain, La Salle, and others, and the French were the first European 
colonizers of the valley of the St. Lawrence. Later they proceeded west 
and south — along the great lakes and down the Mississippi — establishing 
settlements and building forts. It was inevitable that in the course of 
time they should come in conflict with the English frontiersmen advanc- 
ing west. 

In 1749 the Ohio Company, formed of London and Virginia traders, 
obtained from King George II. a grant of land of over half a million 
acres, bordering the Ohio, and they sent out an expedition to explore 
the territory. The French, alarmed at this, began to build forts 
along the Alleghany River. Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia, hear- 
ing of these operations, sent George Washington, then a young man, 
with a letter to the French general stationed at Lake Erie, warning 
him against intruding further on English territory. The warning 
was disregarded, and in 1754 a force of French troops appeared at the 
junction of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers, drove off the English 
settlers, and erected there a fort which they called Fort Duquesne. To 
recover this important post an expedition of two British regiments of 
regulars and a few companies of colonial troops set out under General 
Braddock, with George Washington as one of his staff. Braddock knew 
nothing of Indian fighting, and refused to follow Washington’s advice. 
The soldiers marched into an ambush; the army was cut to pieces ; rnoi’e 


INTRODUCTIOK. 


7 


than seven hundred were killed, including Braddock, and total destruc- 
tion was averted only by the skill and experience of the young Virginian. 

Soon after these events war was formally declared between England 
and France. It is known in American history as the French and Indian 
War. On the New York frontier the English cause had been sustained 
by Sir William Johnson. This general defeated the French after a 
bloody struggle on the shore of Lake George in September, 1755. He 
then built Fort William Henry at the south end of that lake to defend 
the northern approaches to the Hudson Eiver. The French built Fort 
Ticonderoga at the northern end of the lake. Fort Edward on the Hud- 
son had been built in August by New England troops. 

In 1756 the French, under the Marquis de Montcalm, gained control of 
Lake Ontario, and in 1757 they appeared before Fort William Henry. 
This post was then held for the English by Colonel Monro (spelled Munro 
by Cooper in the story) with less than five hundred men, and seventeen 
hundred additional troops occupying an encampment in the vicinity. 
Montcalm, with upwards of six thousand French and a great number of 
Iroquois Indians (who in this struggle took the side of France), laid siege 
to the fort. Monro sent for reinforcements to General Webb, then com- 
manding in the colony of New York, and stationed at Fort Edward, 
fourteen miles distant, with four thousand British regulars. Webb 
returned an answer, advising Monro to capitulate on the best terms he 
could get. Nevertheless the brave colonel defended his post as long as 
his ammunition lasted, and then he was obliged to surrender, the French 
general granting honorable terms and promising a safe escort to Fort 
Edward. On August 9th Monro and his small band left the fort, but 
no sooner were they outside the walls than they were ferociously attacked 
by the Indians. Numbers of the unfortunate people were tomahawked, 
others carried off as prisoners, and the remainder left to make their way 
to Fort Edward as best they could. 

But the following year the tide of victory turned in favor of the Eng- 
lish. Louisburg, Nova Scotia, was taken from the French, and Fort 
Huquesne was recaptured. The name of the latter was changed to Fort 
Pitt (afterwards Pittsburg), in honor of the famous William Pitt, then 
the foremost statesman of England (later known as Earl of Chatham). 
The final and crowning victory was the capture of Quebec in 1759 by the 
English under General Wolfe, who was himself killed in the battle, the 
French general Montcalm also meeting his death on the field. In 1760 
Montreal was surrendered to the English, and Canada became a British 
possession. 


8 


INTRODUCTION. 


BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. 

James Fenimore Cooper was born in Burlington, N. J., in 1789 — the 
year in which George Washington was inaugurated first President of the 
United States. His boyhood was passed at Cooperstown, N. Y., a vil- 
lage founded by his father. After completing his studies at Yale, 
young Cooper entered the American navy as midshipman, subsequently 
obtaining the rank of lieutenant. He also made some voyages in a 
merchant vessel, and in this service acquired that knowledge of sea life 
of which he made good use in many of his novels. 

Cooper has been styled the Walter Scott of America. It is hardly an 
exaggeration to rank him so high, for he has done for America what 
Scott did for Scotland : he has illustrated and popularized much of its 
history and many of its olden traditions in stories that will have appre- 
ciative readers so long as the English language is spoken. As a recent 
writer observes, he “wrote for men and women as well as for boys and 
girls,” and the best of his stories are “ purely American, native born, and 
native bred.” 

Another distinction must be assigned to Cooper, and it is a mark of 
high merit : he was the first American novelist who became widely 
known and esteemed in foreign countries. “ The Spy” appeared in 1821 
— a time when American literature was in its infancy. Though but the 
second of the author’s works, it immediately became popular on both 
sides of the Atlantic. It was translated into several European languages, 
and may, we are told, be read even in the Persian tongue. 

Other stories quickly followed. ‘ ‘ The Pioneers ” was published in 
1823. This and “The Deerslayer,” “The Pathfinder,” “The Last of 
the Mohicans,” and “The Prairie” belong to the series known as the 
Leatherstocking Tales, so called from Leatherstocking, the sobriquet of 
Natty Bumppo, the most celebrated of the characters introduced. These 
deal with life and adventure among the Indians, in description of which 
Cooper surpassed all other writers. The sea tales include “The Pilot,” 
published in 1823 ; “ The Red Rover,” in 1828; “ The Water- Witch,”' in 
1830 ; “The Two Admirals,” in 1842, and “The Sea Lions,” in 1849. 
Altogether, Cooper wrote thirty-three novels, many of them universally 
recognized as entitled to first rank in that field of literature. 

In 1826 Cooper visited Europe, and remained for several years, con- 
tinuing his literary work and producing, in addition to novels, some 
volumes of sketches of European society. He returned to America 
in 1833. His last book, “The Ways of the Hour,” which deals with 
abuses of trial by Jury, was published in 1850. He died on the 14th of 
September the following year at Cooperstown. 


THE LAST OF THE MOHIOAHS. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE HOLY LAKE. 

It was a feature peculiar to the colonial wars of North 
America, that the toils and dangers of the wilderness were to 
he encountered before the adverse hosts could meet. A wide 
boundary of forests severed the possessions of the hostile prov- 
inces of France and England. The hardy colonist and the 
trained European who fought at his side, frequently expended 
months in struggling against the rapids of the streams, or in 
effecting the rugged passes* of the mountains, in quest of an 
opportunity to exhibit their courage in a more martial conflict. 

Perhaps no district of the intermediate frontiers can furnish 
a livelier picture of the fierceness of the savage warfare of 
those periods than the country which lies between the head 
waters of the Hudson and the adjacent lakes. The facilities 
which Nature had there offered to the march of the com- 
batants were too obvious to be neglected. The lengthened 
sheet of the Champlain stretched from the frontiers of Can- 
ada, deep within the borders of the neighboring province of 
New York, forming a natural passage across half the distance 
that the French were compelled to master in order to strike 
their enemies. Near its southern termination, it received the 
contributions of another lake, ‘whose waters were so limpid as 
to have been exclusively selected by the Jesuit missionaries to 
perform the typical purification of baptism, and to obtain for 
it the title of Lake^^du Saint Sacrement.”^ The less*zeal- 

1 {pron. (id sang sakr-mOng) French tor of the Holy Sacrament. 


10 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


ous English thought they conferred a sufficient honor on its 
unsullied fountains when they bestowed the name of their 
reigning prince, the second of the house of Hanover/ 

Winding its way among countless islands, and embedded in 
mountains, the “holy lake” extended a dozen leagues still 
further to the south. With the high plain that there inter- 
posed itself to the further passage of the. water, commenced 
a portage^ of as many miles, which conducted the adventurer 
to the hanks of the Hudson at a point where, with the usual 
obstructions of the rapids or rifts, the river became navigable 
to the tide. 

While the restless enterprise of the French even attempted 
the distant and difficult gorges of the Alleghany,® it may be 
easily imagined that their proverbial acuteness would not over- 
look the natural advantages of the district we have described. 
It became the bloody arena in which most of the battles for 
the mastery of the colonies were contested. 


CHAPTER II. 

UNWELCOME TIDINGS. 

In this scene of strife and bloodshed the incidents we shall 
attempt to relate occurred, during the third year of the war 
which England and France last waged for the possession of a 
country that neither was destined to retain. 

The imbecility of her military leaders abroad, and the want 
of energy in her councils at home, had lowered the character 
of Great Britain from the proud elevation in which it had 
been placed by her former waiTiors and statesmen. In this 
abasement the colonists, though innocent of her imbecility, 

1 King George II., after whom the lake re- a narrow tract of land over which goods 
ferred to was called Lake George. He was are carried from one river, canal, or other 
grandson of the Princess Sophia of Han- waterway to another, 
over, hence the title of the house or family. 3 mountains in Pennsylvania. 


UNWELCOME TIDINGS. 


11 


were participators. They had recently seen a chosen army 
from that country, which they had blindly believed invincible 
— an army led by a chief ^ who had been selected from a crowd 
of trained warriors for his rare military endowments — disgrace- 
fully routed by a handful of French and Indians, and only 
saved from annihilation by the coolness and spirit of a Virgin- 
ian boy,® whose riper fame has since diffused itself, with the 
steady influence of moral truth, to the uttermost confines of 
Christendom. A wide frontier had been laid naked by this 
unexpected disaster, and more substantial evils were preceded 
by a thousand fanciful and imaginary dangers. The alarmed 
colonists believed that the yells of the savages mingled with 
every fitful gust of wind that issued from the interminable 
forests of the West. The terrific character of their merciless 
enemies increased immeasurably the natural horrors of warfare. 

When, therefore, intelligence was received at the fort,® which 
covered the southern termination of the portage between the 
Hudson and the lakes, that Montcalm “ had been seen moving 
up the Champlain, with an army numerous as the leaves on 
the trees,” its truth was admitted with more of the craven 
reluctance of fear than with the stern joy that a warrior should 
feel, in finding an enemy within reach of his blow. The 
news had been brought, toward the decline of a day in mid- 
summer, by an Indian runner, who also bore an urgent request 
from Munro, the commander of a work ^ on the shore of the 
“holy lake,” for a speedy and powerful re-enforcement. It 
has already been mentioned that the distance between these 
two posts was less than five leagues. The rude path, which 
originally formed their line of communication, had been 
widened for the passage of wagons, so that the distance which 
had been traveled by the son of the forest in two hours, might 
easily be effected by a detachment of troops between the rising 
and setting of a summer sun. 

1 General Braddock. ' » Fort Edward. •* French general. See Introduction. 

2 George Washington/' * Fort William Henry. 


12 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


The loyal servants of the British crown had given to one of 
these forest fastnesses the name of William Henry, and to the 
other that of Fort Edward, calling each after a favorite prince 
of the reigning family. The veteran Scotchman just named ^ 
held the first, with a regiment of regulars and a few provin- 
cials, a force really by far too small to make head against the 
formidable power that Montcalm was leading to the foot of 
his earthen mounds. At the latter,* however, lay General 
Webb, who commanded the armies of the king in the north- 
ern provinces, with a body of more than five thousand men. 
By uniting the several detachments of his command, this 
officer might have arrayed nearly double that number of com- 
batants against the enterprising Frenchman, who had ventured 
so far from his re-enforcements with an army but little supe- 
rior in numbers. But under the influence of their degraded 
fortunes both officers and men appeared better disposed to 
await the approach of their antagonists than to resist the 
progress of their march. 

After the first surprise of the intelligence had a little abated, 
a rumor was spread through the camp,* that a detachment of 
fifteen hundred men was to depart with the dawn for William 
Henry. That which at first was only rumor soon became 
certainty, as orders passed from the quarters of the comman- 
der-in-chief to the several corps he had selected for this ser- 
vice, to prepare for their speedy departure. An hour or two 
of hurried footsteps and anxious faces succeeded; then dark- 
ness drew his veil around the secluded spot, and a silence soon 
pervaded the camp as deep as that of the forest by which it 
was environed. 

According to the orders of the preceding night, the heavy 
sleep of the army was broken by the rolling of the warning 
drums just as day began to draw the shaggy outlines of some 
tall pines of the vicinity on the opening brightness of a soft 
and cloudless eastern sky. In an instant the ..hole camp was 

* General Munro. a i.e., j-'ort Edward. 


UNWELCOME TIDINGS. 


13 


in motion; the meanest soldier arousing from his lair to wit- 
ness the departure of his comrades. The chosen band left 
the encampment in the gray light of the morning, and soon 
afterwards the sounds of the retiring column had ceased to 
be borne on the breeze to the listeners. 

But there still remained the signs of another departure, 
before a log-cabin of unusual size and accommodation, in 
front of which those sentinels paced their rounds who were 
known to guard the person of the English general. At this 
spot were gathered some half dozen horses, caparisoned in a 
manner which showed that two at least were destined to bear 
the persons of females, of a rank that it was not usual to 
meet so far in the wilds of the country. A third wore the 
trappings and arms of an officer of the staff; while the rest, 
from the plainness of the housings, and the traveling-mails 
with which they were encumbered, were evidently fitted for 
the reception of as many menials, who were, seemingly, 
already awaiting the pleasure of those they served. At a 
respectful distance from this unusual show were gathered 
divers groups of curious idlers; some admiring the blood and 
bone of the high-mettled military charger, and others gazing 
at the preparations with the dull wonder of vulgar curiosity. 
There was one man, however, who, by his countenance and 
actions, formed a marked exception to those who composed 
the latter class of spectators, being neither idle, nor seemingly 
very ignorant. 

The person of this individual was to the last degree un- 
gainly, without being in any particular manner deformed. 
He had all the bones and joints of other men, without any of 
their proportions. Erect, his stature surpassed that of his 
fellows; though seated, he appeared reduced within the ordi- 
nary limits of the race. His head was large; his shoulders 
narrow; his ^^rms long and dangling; while his hands were 
small, if not dUicate. His legs and thighs were of extraordi- 
nary length; and, his knees would have been considered tre- 


14 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


mendous had they not been outdone by the broader founda- 
tions on which this false superstructure of blended human 
orders was so profanely reared. A sky-blue coat, with short 
and broad skirts and low cape, exposed a long, thin neck. His 
nether garment was of yellow nankeen,' closely fitted to the 
shape, and tied at his bunches of knees by large knots of 
white ribbon, a good deal sullied by use. Clouded cotton 
stockings and shoes, on one of the latter of which was a 
plated spur, completed the costume. From beneath the flap 
of an enormous pocket of a soiled vest of embossed silk 
projected an instrument which, from being seen in such mar- 
tial company, might have been easily mistaken for some mis- 
chievous and unknown implement of war. Small as it was, 
this uncommon engine had excited the curiosity of most of 
the Europeans in the camp, though several of the provincials 
were seen to handle it, not only without fear, but with the 
utmost familiarity. A large, civil cocked hat, like those worn 
by clergymen within the last thirty years, surmounted the 
whole, furnishing dignity to a good-natured and somewhat 
vacant countenance, that apparently needed such artificial aid 
to support the gravity of some high and extraordinary trust. 

While the common herd stood aloof, in deference to the 
quarters of Webb, the figure we have described stalked into 
the center of the domestics, freely expressing his censures or 
commendations on the merits of the horses, as by chance they 
displeased or satisfied his judgment. His eyes soon fell on the 
still, upright, and rigid form of the Indian runner, who had 
borne to the camp the unwelcome tidings of the preceding 
evening. Although in a state of perfect repose, there was a 
sullen fierceness mingled with the quiet of the savage that 
was likely to arrest the attention of more experienced eyes 
than those which now scanned him, in unconcealed amaze- 
ment. The native bore both the tomahawk and knife of his 
tribe; and yet his appearance was not altogether that of a 

I species of cotton cloth originally brought from Fankin, China. 


COeI and ALICE. 


15 


warrior. On the contrary, there was an air of neglect about 
his person, like that which might have proceeded from great 
and recent exertion, which he had not yet found leisure to 
repair. The colors of the war-paint had blended in wild con- 
fusion about his fierce countenance, and rendered his swarthy 
lineaments more savage than if art had attempted an effect, 
which had been thus produced by chance. His eye, alone, 
which glistened like a fiery star amid lowering clouds, was to 
be seen in its state of native wildness. For a single instant, 
his searching and yet wary glance met the wondering look of 
the other, and then changing its direction, partly in cunning, 
and partly in disdain, it remained fixed, as if penetrating the 
distant air. 

It is impossible to say what unlooked-for remark this short 
and silent communication, between two such singular men, 
might have elicited from the white man, had not his active 
curiosity been again drawn to other objects. 

CHAPTEE III. 

CORA AND ALICE. 

A GENERAL movement among the domestics, and a low 
sound of gentle voices, announced the approach of those 
whose presence alone was wanted to enable the cavalcade to 
move. A young man, in the dress of an officer, conducted to 
their steeds two females, who, as it was apparent by their 
dresses, were prepared to encounter the fatigues of a journey 
in the woods. One, and she was the most juvenile in her 
appearance, though both were young, permitted glimpses of 
her dazzling complexion, fair golden hair, aud bright-blue 
eyes, to be caught, as she artlessly suffered the morning air to 
blow aside the green veil which descended low from her beaver. 
The other concealed her charms with a care that seemed better 
fitted to the experience of four or five additional years. 


16 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


No sooner were these females seated than their attendant 
sprung lightly into the saddle of his war-horse, when the 
whole three bowed to Webb, who, in courtesy, awaited their 
parting on the threshold of his cabin, and, turning their horses’ 
heads, they proceeded at a slow amble, followed by their train 
toward the northern entrance of the encampment. As they 
traversed that short distance, not a voice was heard among 
them; but a slight exclamation proceeded from the younger of 
the females as the Indian runner glided by her, unexpectedly, 
and led the way along the military road in her front. Though 
this sudden and startling movement of the Indian produced 
no sound from the other, in the surprise, her veil was allowed 
to open its folds, and betrayed an indescribable look of pity, 
admiration, and horror, as her dark eye followed the easy 
motions of the savage. The tresses of this lady were shining 
and black, like the plumage of the raven. Her complexion 
was not brown, but it rather appeared charged with the color 
of the rich blood that seemed ready to burst its bounds. She 
smiled, as if in pity at her own momentary forgetfulness, 
when, replacing the veil, she bowed her face, and rode in 
silence, like one whose thoughts were abstracted from the 
scene around her. 

While one of the lovely beings we have presented to the 
reader was thus lost in thought, the other inquired of the 
youth who rode by her side : 

‘‘Are such specters frequent in the woods, Heyward; or is 
this sight an especial entertainment ordered on our behalf ? 
If the latter, gratitude must close our mouths; but if the 
former, both Cora and I shall have need to draw largely on 
that stock of hereditary courage which we boast, even before 
we are made to encounter the redoubtable Montcalm.” 

“Yon Indian is a ‘runner’ of the army; and, after the 
fashion of his people, he may be accounted a hero,” returned 
the officer. “ He has volunteered to guide us to the lake, by 
a path but little known, sooner than if we followed the tardy 


CORA AND ALICE. 


17 


movements of the column; and, by consequence, more agree- 
ably. ’ ’ 

I like him not,” said the lady, shuddering. You know 
him, Duncan, or you would not trust yourself so freely to his 
keeping.” 

“ Say, rather, Alice, that I would not trust you. I do know 
him, or he would not have my confidence. He is said to be a 
Canadian, too; and yet he served with our friends the Mo- 
hawks, who, as you know, are one of the six allied nations.’ 
He was brought among us, as I have heard, by some strange 
accident in which your father was interested, and in which the 
savage was rigidly dealt by — but I forget the idle tale; it is 
enough that he is now our friend. But he stops; the private 
path by which we are to journey is doubtless at hand.” 

The conjecture of Major Heyward was true. When they 
reached the spot where the Indian stood pointing into the 
thicket that fringed the military road, a narrow path became 
visible. 

“ Here lies our way,” said the young man in a low voice. 
‘‘Manifest no distrust, or you may invite the danger you 
appear to apprehend. ” 

“Cora, what think you?” asked the reluctant fair one. 
“If we journey with the troops, though we may find their 
presence irksome, shall we not feel better assurance of our 
safety ? ” 

“ Being little accustomed to the practices of the savages, 
Alice, you mistake the place of real danger,” said Heyward. 
“ If enemies have reached the portage at all, they will surely 
be found skirting the column, where scalps abound the most.^ 
The route of the detachment is known, while ours, having 
been determined within the hour, must still be secret.” 

“ Should we distrust the man because his manners are not 
our manners, and that his skin is dark ? ” coldly answered Cora. 

Alice hesitated no longer; but giving her horse a cut of the 

1 i.e., of Indians. “ See Introduction, about Indian warfare, 

2 


18 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


whip, she was the first to dash aside the slight branches of the 
bushes, and to follow the runner along the dark pathway. 
The young man regarded the last speaker in open admiration, 
and even permitted her fairer companion to proceed unat- 
tended, while he opened the way for the passage of her who 
had been called Cora. It would seem that the domestics had 
been previously instructed; for, instead of penetrating the 
thicket, they followed the route of the column; a measure 
which Heyward stated had been dictated by the sagacity of 
their guide, in order to diminish the marks of their trail, if, 
haply, the Canadian savages should he lurking so far in 
advance of their army. For many minutes the intricacy of 
the route admitted of no further dialogue; after which they 
emerged from the broad border of underbrush which grew 
along the line of the highway, and entered under the high hut 
dark branches of the forest. 

CHAPTEE IV. 

A DISCIPLE OF APOLLO. 

The youth now turned to speak to the dark-eyed Cora, when 
the distant sounds of horses’ hoofs clattering over the roots of 
the broken way in his rear, caused him to check his charger, 
and the party came to a halt to obtain an explanation of the 
interruption. 

In a few moments the person of the ungainly man described 
in a preceding chapter came into view, with as much rapidity 
as he could excite his meager beast to endure without coming 
to an open rupture. The frown which had gathered around 
the handsome and manly brow of Heyward, gradually relaxed, 
and his lips curled into a slight smile, as he regarded the 
stranger. Alice made no very powerful effort to control 
her merriment; and even the dark, thoughtful eye of Cora 
lighted with humor. 


A DISCIPLE OF APOLLO. 


19 


Seek you any here ? ” demanded Heyward, when the other 
had arrived sufl&ciently nigh to abate his speed; I trust you 
are no messenger of evil tidings. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Even so,” replied the stranger, “ I hear you are riding to 
William Henry; as I am journeying thitherward myself, I 
concluded good company would seem consistent to the wishes 
of both parties.” 

‘‘You appear to possess the privilege of a casting vote,” 
returned. Heyward; “we are three, while you have consulted, 
no one but yourself.” 

“ Even BO. The first point to be obtained, is to know one’s 
own mind. Once sure of that, and where women are con- 
cerned it is not easy, the next is, to act up to the decision. I 
have endeavored to do both, and here I am.” 

“ If you journey to the lake, you have mistaken your route,” 
said Heyward, haughtily; “ the highway thither is at least half 
a mile behind you.” 

“Even so,” returned the stranger; “ I have tarried 
at ‘ Edward ’ a week, and I should be dumb not to have 
inquired the road I was to journey. It is not prudent for 
any one of my profession to be too familiar with those he 
has to instruct ; for which reason I follow not the line of 
the army: besides which, I conclude that a gentleman of 
your character has the best judgment in matters of way- 
faring; I have therefore decided to join company, in order 
that the ride may be made agreeable, and partake of social 
communion.” 

“ A most arbitrary, if not a hasty decision! ” exclaimed Hey- 
ward. “But you speak of instruction, and of a profession;* 
are you an adjunct to the provincial corps, as a master of the 
noble science of defense and offense ? ” 

“Of offense, I hope there is none, to either party,” an- 
swered the stranger; “of defense, I make none — by God’s 
good mercy, having committed no palpable sin since last en- 
treating His pardoning grace, I lay claim to no higher gift 


20 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


than a small insight into the glorious art of petitioning and 
thanksgiving, as practiced in psalmody.” 

The man is, most manifestly, a disciple of Apollo,” * cried 
the amused Alice, “and I take him under my own especial 
protection. I am glad to encounter thee, friend,” continued 
the maiden, waving her hand to the stranger to proceed, as 
she urged her horse to renew its amble. “Partial relatives 
have almost persuaded me that I am not entirely worthless in 
a duet myself; and we may enliven our wayfaring by indulg- 
ing in our favorite pursuit. You have limited your efforts to 
sacred song?” 

“ Even so. As the psalms of David exceed all other lan- 
guage, so does the psalmody that has been fitted to them by 
the divines and sages of the land surpass all vain poetry. 
Happily, I may say that I utter nothing but the thoughts and 
the wishes of the King of Israel himself.” 

Then, without circumlocution or apology, placing the un- 
known engine, already described, to his mouth, from which 
he drew a high, shrill sound, he commenced singing the follow- 
ing words, in full, sweet, and melodious tones: 

“ How good it is, 0 see, 

And how it pleaseth well. 

Together, e’en in unity, 

For brethren so to dwell.” ** 

Such an innovation on the silence of the forest could not 
fail to enlist the ears of those who journeyed at so short a dis- 
tance in advance. The Indian muttered a few words in 
broken English to Heyward, who, in his turn, spoke to the 
stranger, at once interrupting, and, for the time, closing his 
musical efforts. 

“ Though we are not in danger, common prudence would 
teach us to journey through this wilderness in as quiet a man- 
ner as possible. You will, then, pardon me, Alice, should I 

* the god of music, according to anci^t mythology. s Psalm cxxxiii. 


HAWKEYE AND CHIKGACHGOOK. 


21 


diminish your enjoyments, by requesting this gentleman to 
postpone his chant until a safer opportunity.” 

He paused and turned his head toward a thicket, and then 
bent his eyes suspiciously on their guide, who continued his 
steady pace in undisturbed gravity. The young man smiled 
to himself, for he believed he had mistaken some shining berry 
of the woods for the glistening eyeballs of a prowling savage, 
and he rode forward, continuing the conversation which had 
been interrupted by the passing thought. 

Major Heyward was mistaken only in suffering his youthful 
and generous pride to suppress his active watchfulness. The 
cavalcade had not long passed, before the branches of the 
bushes that formed the thicket were cautiously moved asunder, 
and a human visage, as fiercely wild as savage art and un- 
bridled passions could make it, peered out on the retiring foot- 
steps of the travelers. A gleam of exultation shot across the 
darkly painted lineaments of the inhabitant of the forest, as 
he traced the route of his intended victims, who rode uncon- 
sciously onward. 

CHAPTER V. 

HAWKEYE AHD CHIHGACHGOOK. 

Leayihg Heyward and his companions to penetrate still 
deeper into the forest, we use an author’s privilege and shift 
the scene a few miles to the westward of the place where we 
have last seen them. On that day two men were lingering on 
the banks of a small but rapid stream, within an hour’s jour- 
ney of the encampment of Webb, like those who awaited the 
appearance of an absent person, or the approach of some ex- 
pected event. One of these loiterers showed the red skin and 
wild accouterments of a native of the woods; the other exhib- 
ited, through the mask of his rude and nearly savage equip- 
ments, the brighter, though sunburned and long faded com- 
plexion of one who might claim descent from a European 


22 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


parentage. The former was seated on the end of a mossy log, 
in a posture that permitted him to heighten the effect of his 
earnest language by the calm but expressive gestures of an 
Indian engaged in debate. His body, which was nearly naked, 
presented a terrific emblem of death, drawn in colors of white 
and black. His closely shaved head, on which no other hair 
than the well-known scalping- tuft was preserved, was without 
ornament of any kind, with the exception of a solitary eagle’s 
plume, that crossed his crown, and depended over the left 
shoulder. A tomahawk and scalping-knife were in his girdle; 
while a short military rifie, of that sort with which the policy 
of the whites armed their savage allies, lay carelessly across 
his bare and sinewy knee. 

The frame of the white man was like that of one who had 
known hardships and exertion from his earliest youth. His 
person, though muscular, was rather attenuated than full ; but 
every nerve and muscle appeared strung and indurated by 
unremitted exposure and toil. He wore a hunting-shirt of 
forest-green, fringed with faded yellow, and a summer cap of 
skins which had been shorn of their fur. He also bore a 
knife in a girdle of wampum,* like that which confined the 
scanty garments of the Indian, but no tomahawk. His mocca- 
sins were ornamented after the gay fashion of the natives, 
while the only part of his under-dress which appeared below 
the hunting-frock, was a pair of buckskin leggins that laced 
at the sides, and which were gartered above the knees with 
the sinews of a deer. A pouch and horn completed his per- 
sonal accouterments, though a rifle of great length leaned 
against a neighboring sapling. The eye of the hunter, or 
scout, whichever lie might be, was small, quick, keen, and 
restless, roving while he spoke, on every side of him, as if in 
quest of game, or distrusting the sudden approach of some 
lurking enemy. Notwithstanding these symptoms of habitual 

* beads made of shells, and used by the Indians as money ; also formed into belts 
and other ornaments. 


HAWK EYE AND CHINGACHGOOK. 


28 . 


suspicion, his countenance was not only without guile, but, at 
the moment at which he is introduced, it was charged with an 
expression of sturdy honesty. 

Even your traditions make the case in my favor, Chin- 
gachgook,” he said, speaking in the tongue which was known 
to all the natives who formerly inhabited the country between 
the Hudson and the Potomac. Your fathers came from the 
setting sun,’ crossed the big river,’’ fought the people of the 
country, and took the land; and mine came from the red sky 
of the morning, over the salt lake,® and did their work much 
after the fashion that had been set them by yours; then let God 
judge the matter between us, and friends spare their words.” 

‘‘My fathers fought with the naked red man!” returned 
the Indian, sternly, in the same language. “ Is there no 
difference, Hawkeye, between the stone-headed arrow of the 
warrior, and the leaden bullet with which you kill ? ” 

“There is reason in an Indian, though Nature has made 
him wtth a red skin,” said the white man. “ I am no scholar, 
and I care not who knows it; but judging from what I have 
seen, at deer-chases and squirrel-hunts, I should think a rifle 
in the hands of their grandfathers was not so dangerous as a • 
hickory bow and a good flint-head might be, if drawn with 
Indian judgment, and sent by an Indian eye. But every story 
has its two sides; so I ask you, Chingachgook, what passed, 
according to the traditions of the red men, when our fathers 
first met ? ” 

A silence of a minute succeeded, during which the Indian 
sat mute; then he commenced his brief tale, with a solemnity 
that served to heighten its appearance of truth. 

“ Listen, Hawkeye, and your ear shall drink no lie. ’Tis 
what my fathers have said, and what the Mohicans^ have done. 
My tribe is the grandfather of nations, but I am an unmixed 
man. The blood of chiefs is in my veins, where it must stay 


> i.e., from the west. 
2 the Mississippi. 


* the Atlantic Ocean. 

* jyi'on. mO-hS'-kanz. 


,24 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


forever. The Dutch landed, and gave my people the fire- 
water; ^ they drank until the heavens and the earth seemed to 
meet, and they foolishly thought they had found the Great 
Spirit.® Then they parted with their land. Foot by foot, 
they were driven back from the shores, until I, that am a chief 
and a sagamore,® have never seen the sun shine but through 
the trees, and have never visited the graves of my fathers.” 

‘‘Graves bring solemn feelings over the mind,” returned 
the scout, a good deal touched at the calm suffering of his 
companion; “ and they often aid a man in his good intentions; 
though, for myself, I expect to leave my own bones unburied, 
to bleach in the woods, or to be torn asunder by the wolves. 
But where are to be found those of your race who came to 
their kin in the Delaware country so many summers since? ” 

“ Where are the blossoms of those summers — fallen one by 
one; so all of my family departed, each in his turn, to the 
land of spirits. I am on the hill-top, and must go down into 
the valley; and, when Uncas follows in my footsteps, there 
will no longer be any of the blood of the sagamores, for my 
boy is the last of the Mohicans.” 


CHAPTER VI. 

“UNCAS IS HERE.^^ 

“Dncas is here!” said another voice, in soft, guttural 
tones, near Chingachgook’s elbow; “who speaks to Uncas?” 

The white man loosened his knife in his leathern sheath, 
and made an involuntary movement of the hand toward his 
rifie at this sudden interruption; but the Indian sat composed, 
and without turning his head at the unexpected sounds. 

At the next instant a youthful warrior passed between 
them, with a noiseless step, and seated himself on the bank of 


* whiskey. 


2 the Indians’ name for God. 


3 head or king of a tribe of Indians. 


tJNCAS IS HERE. 


25 


the rapid stream. No exclamation of surprise escaped the 
father, nor was any question asked, or reply given, for several 
minutes. At length Chingachgook turned his eyes slowly 
toward his son and demanded: 

Do the Maquas ‘ dare to leave the print of their moccasins 
in these woods ? ” 

‘‘I have been on their trail,” replied the young Indian, 
‘‘ and know that they number as many as the fingers of my 
two hands; but they lie hid like cowards.” 

‘‘The thieves are outlying for scalps and plunder!” said 
the white man, whom we shall call Hawkeye, after the man- 
ner of his companions. “ That busy Frenchman, Montcalm, 
will send his spies into our very camp, but he will know what 
road to travel.” 

“ ’Tis enough!” returned the father, glancing his eye 
toward the settiiig sun; “they shall be driven like deer from 
their bushes. Hawkeye, let us eat to-night, and show the 
Maquas that we are men to-morrow.” 

“ I am as ready to do the one as the other: but to fight the 
Iroquois ’tis necessary to find the skulkers; and to eat, ’tis 
necessary to get the game — talk of the devil and he will come; 
there is a pair of the biggest antlers I have seen this season 
moving the bushes below the hill! Now, Hncas, I will bet my 
charger three times full of powder, against a foot of wampum, 
that I take him atwixt the eyes, and nearer to the right than 
to the left.” 

“ It cannot he ! ” said the young Indian, springing to his 
feet; “ all but the tips of his horns are hid ! ” 

Adjusting his rifie, Hawkeye was about to make an exhibi- 
tion of that skill on which he so much valued himself, when 
the warrior struck up the piece with his hand, saying : 

“ Hawkeye! will you fight the Maquas ? ” 

“ These Indians know the nature of the woods, as it might 
be by instinct! ” returned the scout, dropping his rifie. “I 


26 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICAHa 


must leave the buck to your arrow, Uncas, or we may kill a 
deer for them thieves, the Iroquois, to eat.” ^ 

Tineas threw himself on the ground and approached the 
animal with wary movements. When within a few yards of 
the cover, he fitted an arrow to his bow with the utmost care. 
In another moment the twang of the cord was heard, and the 
wounded buck plunged from the cover to the very feet of his 
hidden enemy. Avoiding the horns of the infuriated animal, 
Uncas darted to his side, and passed his knife across the 
throat, when, hounding to the edge of the river, it fell, dye- 
ing the waters with its blood. 

“ ’Twas done with Indian skill,” said the scout. By the 
Lord, here is a drove of them ! If they come within range of 
a bullet I will drop one, though the whole Six Nations should 
be lurking within sound ! What do you hear, Ohingachgook, 
for to my ears the woods are dumb ? ” 

“There is but one deer, and he is dead,” said the Indian^ 
bending his body till his ear nearly touched the earth. “I 
hear the sounds of feet! The horses of white men are com- 
ing! Hawkeye, they are your brothers ; speak to them.” 

“That will I,” returned the hunter, “but I see nothing, 
nor do I hear the sounds of man or beast. Ha! there goes 
something like the crackling of a dry stick — now I hear the 
bushes move — yes, yes, there is a trampling that I mistook for 
the falls — and — but here they come themselves; God keep 
them from the Iroquois! ” 

CHAPTEE VII. 

LE KEHARD SUBTIL. 

The words were still in the mouth of the scout, when the 
leader of the party, whose approaching footsteps had caught 
the vigilant ear of the Indian, came openly into view. 

^ meaning that the report of the rifle would draw the Iroquois to the spot. For Iroquois, 
see Introduction. 2 of Indians. See Introduction. 


LE REJTARD SUBTIL. 


27 


‘‘ Who comes ? ” demanded the scout; who comes hither 
among the beasts and dangers of the wilderness ? ’ ’ 

“Believers in religion and friends to the law and to the 
king,” returned he who rode foremost; “men who have 
Journeyed since the rising sun, in the shades of this forest, 
without nourishment, and are sadly tired of our wayfaring.” 

“ You are, then, lost,” interrupted the hunter, “and have 
found how helpless ’tis not to know whether to take the right 
hand or the left ? ” 

“Even so. Know ye the distance to a post of the crown, 
called William Henry ? ” 

“Hoot!” shouted the scout, who did not spare his open 
laughter. “ You are as much off the scent as a hound would 
be, with Horican ^ atwixt him and the deer. William Henry, 
man! if you are friends to the king, your better way would be 
to follow the river down to Edward, and lay the matter before 
Webb, who tarries there instead of pushing into the defiles, 
and driving this saucy Erenchman back across Champlain into 
his den again.” 

Before the stranger could make any reply, another horseman 
dashed the bushes aside, and leaped his charger into the path- 
way in front of his companion. 

“ What, then, maybe our distance from Fort Edward?” 
demanded the new speaker: “the place you advise us to seek 
we left this morning, and our destination is the head of the 
lake. We trusted to an Indian guide to take us by a near 
path, and we are deceived in his knowledge. In plain words, 
we know not where we are.” 

“ An Indian lost in the woods ! ” said the scout, shaking his 
head doubtingly. “ ’Tis strange that an Indian should be lost 


1 Lake George. In explanation of the 
name Horican, the author says in his Intro- 
duction : “Looking over an ancient map, 
it was ascertained that a tribe of Indians, 
called Les Horicans by the French, existed 
in the neighborhood of this beautiful sheet 


of water. As every word uttered by Natty 
Bumppo [Hawkeye’s real name] was not to 
be received as rigid truth, we took the 
liberty of putting the Horican into his 
mouth as the substitute for Lake Gieorge. 
The name has appeared to find favor.” 


28 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


atwixt Horican and the bend in the river! Is he a Mo- 
hawk?” 

‘‘Not by birth, though adopted in that tribe; I think his 
birthplace was further north, and he is one of those you call 
a Huron! ” 

“ A Huron! ” repeated the sturdy scout; “ they are a thiev- 
ish race; you can never make anything of them but skulks 
and vagabonds. Since you trusted yourself to the care of one 
of that nation, I only wonder that you have not fallen in with 
more. ’ ’ 

“ I have told you our guide is now a Mohawk, and that he 
serves with our forces as a friend.” 

“And I tell you that he who is born a Mingo ^ will die a 
Mingo,” returned the other, positively. “A Mohawk! No, 
give me a Delaware or a Mohican for honesty; and when they 
will fight — which they won’t all do, having suffered their 
cunning enemies the Maquas to make them women — but when 
they will fight at all, look to a Delaware or a Mohican for a 
warrior ! I should like to look at the creatur’ ; if it is a true 
Iroquois, I can tell by his knavish look, and by his paint,” 
said the scout, stepping past the charger of Heyward, and 
entering the path behind the mare of the singing-master. 
After proceeding a few paces, he encountered the females, 
who awaited the result of the conference with anxiety, and 
not entirely without apprehension. Behind these, the runner 
leaned against a tree,' where he stood the close examination 
of the scout with an air unmoved, though with a look so 
dark and savage that it might in itself excite fear. Satisfied 
with his scrutiny, the hunter soon left him, and returned to 
Heyward. 

“A Mingo is a Mingo, and, God having made him so, 
neither the Mohawks nor any other tribe can alter him,” he 
said, when he had regained his former position. “ If we were 
alone, and you would leave that noble horse at the mercy of 

1 See note, page 46. 


LE KENARD SUBTIL. 


29 


the wolves to-night, I could show you the way to Edward 
myself, within an hour, for it lies only about an hour’s jour- 
ney hence; but with such ladies in your company ’tis impos- 
sible.” 

‘‘And why? They are fatigued, but they are quite equal 
to a ride of a few more miles.” 

“’Tis a natural impossibility!” repeated the scout; “I 
wouldn’t walk a mile in these woods after night gets into 
them, in company with that runner, for the best rifle in the 
colonies. They are full of outlying Iroquois, and your mon- 
grel Mohawk knows where to find them too well to be my 
companion.” 

“ Think you so ? ” said Heyward, dropping his voice nearly 
to a whisper; “ I confess I have not been without my own sus- 
picions. It was because I suspected him that I would follow 
no longer; making him, as you see, follow me.” 

The hunter mused a moment, and then made a gesture, 
which instantly brought his two red companions to his side. 
They spoke together earnestly in the Delaware language, 
though in an undertone; and, by the gestures of the white 
man, which were frequently directed toward the top of the 
tree, it was evident he pointed out the situation of their 
hidden enemy. His companions were not long in compre- 
hending his wishes, and, laying aside their fire-arms, they 
parted, taking opposite sides of the path, and burying them- 
selves in the thicket with such cautious movements that their 
steps were ihaudible. 

“How, go you back,” said the hunter, speaking again to 
Heyward, “and hold the imp in talk; these Mohicans here 
will take him without breaking his paint. ’ ’ 

Heyward turned back, then spurred his charger, and drew 
the reins again, when the animal had carried him within a few 
yards of the place where the sullen runner still stood, leaning 
against the tree. 

“ You may see, Magua,” he said, endeavoring to assume an 


30 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


air of freedom and confidence, ‘‘ that the night is closing around 
us, and yet we are no nearer to William Henry than \vhen we 
left the encampment of Webb with the rising sun. You have 
missed the way, nor have I been more fortunate. But, hap- 
pily we have fallen in with a hunter, he whom you hear talk- 
ing to the singer, that is acquainted with the deer-paths and 
by-ways of the woods, and who promises to lead us to a place 
where we may rest securely till the morning.” 

“Then Le Eenard SubtiY will go,” returned the runner, 
raising his little wallet from the place where it had lain at his 
feet. 

“ Gro! Whom call you Le Renard ? ” 

“ ’Tis the name his Canada fathers’^ have given to Magua,” 
returned the runner. “ Night is the same as day to Le Subtil, 
when Munro waits for him.” 

“ And what account will Le Renard give the chief of 
William Henry ® concerning his daughters ? Will he dare to 
tell the hot-blooded Scotsman ® that his children are left with- 
out a guide, though Magua promised to be one ? Rest your 
weary limbs, and open your wallet to eat. We have a few 
moments to spare. When the ladies are refreshed, we will 
proceed. Le Renard will have strength and sight to find the 
path in the morning.” He paused, for sounds like the snap- 
ping of a dry stick and the rustling of leaves rose from the 
adjacent bushes; but, recollecting himself instantly, he con- 
tinued: “ We must be moving before the sun is seen, or Mont- 
calm may lie in our path, and shut us out from th^e fortress.” 

The hand of Magua dropped to his side, his nostrils ex- 
panded, and his ears seemed even to stand more erect than 
usual. Heyward, who watched his movements with a vigilant 
eye, carelessly extricated one of his feet from the stirrup, and 
dismounted with a determination to advance and seize his 
treacherous companion. In order, however, to prevent un- 
necessary alarm, he still preserved an air of friendship. 

1 French for The Subtile Fox, » meaning the French, 8 General Munro. 


NEW GUIDES. 


81 


‘‘Le Eeuard Subtil does not eat,” he said. ‘‘His corn is 
not well parched, and it seems dry. Let me examine; per- 
haps something may be found among my own provisions that 
will help his appetite.” 

Magua held out the wallet to the proffer of the other. He 
even suffered their hands to meet, without betraying the least 
emotion. But when he felt the fingers of Heyward moving 
gently along his own naked arm, he struck up the limb of 
the young man, and, uttering a piercing cry as he darted be- 
neath it, plunged into the opposite thicket. At the next 
instant the form of Chingachgook appeared from the bushes, 
and glided across the path in swift pursuit. Next followed 
the shout of IJncas, when the woods were lighted by a sudden 
flash, that was accompanied by the sharp report of the hun- 
ter’s rifle. 


CHAPTER VIIL 

NEW GUIDES. 

The suddenness of the flight of his guide and the cries of 
the pursuers caused Heyward to remain fixed, for a few mo- 
ments, in inactive surprise. Then he dashed aside the sur- 
rounding bushes, and pressed eagerly forward to lend his aid 
in the chase. Before he had proceeded a hundred yards, how- 
ever, he met the three foresters returning from their unsuc- 
cessful pursuit. 

“ Why so soon disheartened ? ” he exclaimed ; “ the scoun- 
drel must be concealed behind some of these trees, and may 
yet be secured. We are not safe while he goes at large.” 

“ Would you set a cloud to chase the wind ? ” returned the 
disappointed scout. “ I heard the imp brushing over the dry 
leaves like a black snake, and, blinking a glimpse of him, just 
over ag’in yon big pine, I pulled as it might be on the scent; 
but ’twouldn’t do! and yet, for a reasonable aim, if anybody 
but myself had touched the trigger, I should call it a quick 


82 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


sight. Look at this sumach; its leaves are red, though every- 
body knows the fruit is in the yellow blossom in the month of 
July! ” 

’Tis the blood of Le Subtil: he is hurt, and may yet fall! ” 

“No, no,” returned the scout. “I rubbed the bark off a 
limb perhaps, but the creatur’ leaped the longer for it. Come, 
friends, let us move our station, and in such a fashion, too, as 
will throw the cunning of a Mingo on a wrong scent, or our 
scalps will be drying in the wind ag’in this hour to-morrow.” 

This appalling declaration served to remind Heyward of the 
importance of the charge with which he himself had been 
intrusted. 

“ What is to be done? ” he said, feeling the utter helpless- 
ness of doubt in such a pressing strait. “ Desert me not, for 
God’s sake! Eemain to defend those I escort, and freely name 
your own reward ! ’ ’ 

His companions, who conversed apart in the language of 
their tribe, heeded not his sudden and earnest appeal. Though 
their dialogue was maintained in low and cautious sounds, but 
little above a whisper, Heyward, who now approached, could 
easily distinguish the earnest tones of the younger warrior 
from the more deliberate speeches of his senior. He drew 
still nigher to the dusky group, with an intention of making 
his offers of compensation more definite, when the white man 
turned away, saying in a sort of soliloquy, and in the English 
tongue : 

“Uncas is right. It would not be the act of men to leave 
such harmless things to their fate, even though it breaks up 
the harboring-place forever. If you would save these tender 
blossoms from the fangs of the worst of sarpents, gentlemen, 
you have neither time to lose nor resolution to throw away! ” 

“ How can such a wish be doubted ? Have I not already 
offered ” 

“ Offer your prayers to Him who can give us wisdom to cir- 
cumvent the cunning of the devils who fill these woods,” 


NEW GUIDES. 


33 


calmly interrupted the scout, but spare your offers of money, 
which neither you may live to realize, nor I to profit by. 
These Mohicans and I will do what man’s thoughts can invent 
to keep such flowers from harm. First, you must promise two 
things, both in your own name, and for your friends, or, with- 
out serving you, we shall only injure ourselves.” 

Name them.” 

“The one is, to be still as these sleeping woods, let what will 
happen, and the other is, to keep the place where we shall take 
you forever a secret from all mortal men.” 

“ I will do my utmost to see both these conditions fulfilled.” 

“ Then follow, for we are losing moments that are as pre- 
cious as the heart’s blood to a stricken deer! ” 

When they rejoined the expecting and anxious females 
Heyward briefly acquainted them with the conditions of their 
new guide, and with the necessity that existed for their hush- 
ing every apprehension in instant and serious exertions. 
Silently, and without a moment’s delay, they permitted him 
to assist them from their saddles, when they descended 
quickly to the water’s edge, where the scout had collected the 
rest of the party, more by the agency of expressive gestures 
than by any use of words. 

‘‘What to do with these dumb creatures!” muttered the 
white man, on whom the sole control of their future move- 
ments appeared to devolve: “ it would be time lost to cut their 
throats, and cast them into the river; and to leave them here 
would be to tell the Mingoes that they have not far to seek to 
find their owners! ” 

“ Then give them their bridles, and let them range the 
woods,” Heyward ventured to suggest. 

“No; it would be better to mislead the imps, and make 
them believe they must equal a horse’s speed to run down 
their chase. Ay, ay, that will blind their fire-balls of 
eyes.” 

The Indians then taking the bridles, led the horses into the 
3 


84 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


bed of the river. At a short distance from the shore they 
turned, and were soon concealed by the projection of the 
bank, under the brow of which they moved, in a direction 
opposite to the course of the waters. In the meantime, the 
scout drew a canoe of bark from its place of concealment be- 
neath some low bushes, and he silently motioned for the 
females to enter. They complied without hesitation, though 
many a fearful and anxious glance was thrown behind them 
toward the thickening gloom, which now lay like a dark bar- 
rier along the margin of the stream. 

So soon as Cora and Alice were seated, the scout, without 
regarding the element, directed Heyward to support one side 
of the frail vessel, and, posting himself at the other, they 
bore it up against the stream, followed by the singing-master. 
In this manner they proceeded for many rods, in a silence that 
was only interrupted by the rippling of the water. At length 
they reached a point in the river where the roving eye of Hey- 
ward became riveted on a cluster of black objects, collected at 
a spot where the high bank threw a deeper shadow than usual 
on the dark waters. Hesitating to advance, he pointed out 
the place to the attention of his companion. 

‘‘ Ay,” returned the composed scout, the Indians have hid 
the beasts with the judgment of natives! Water leaves no 
trail, and an owl’s eyes would be blinded by the darkness of 
such a hole.” 

The whole party was soon reunited, and another consulta- 
tion was held between the scout and his new comrades, during 
which they whose fates depended on the faith and ingenuity 
of these unknown foresters had a little leisure to observe their 
situation more minutely. 

The river was confined between high and cragged rocks, 
one of which impended above the spot where the canoe rested. 
As these, again, were surmounted by tall trees, which ap- 
peared to totter on the brows of the precipice, it gave the 
istream the appearance of running through a deep and narrow 


glen’s falls. 


35 


dell. All beneath the fantastic limbs and ragged tree-tops 
which were, here and there, dimly painted against the starry 
zenith, lay alike in shadowed obscurity. 

CHAPTER IX. 
glen’s falls. 

The horses had been secured to some scattering shrubs that 
grew in the fissures of the rocks, where, standing in the water, 
they were left to pass the night. The scout directed Heyward 
and his disconsolate fellow-travelers to seat themselves in the 
forward end of the canoe, and took possession of the other 
himself, as erect and steady as if he fioated in a vessel of 
much firmer materials. The Indians warily retraced their 
steps toward the place they had left, when the scout, placing 
his pole against a rock, by a powerful shove sent his frail bark 
into the center of the stream. For many minutes the strug- 
gle, between the light bubble in which they floated and the 
swift current, was severe and doubtful. At last the canoe 
became stationary at the side of a flat rock that lay on a level 
with the water. 

Where are we, and what is next to be done ? ” demanded 
Heyward, perceiving that the exertions of the scout had 
ceased. 

“You are at the foot of Glen’s,” ’ returned the other, 
speaking aloud, without fear of consequences, within the roar 
of the cataract; “aud the next thing is to make a steady 
landing, lest the canoe upset and you should go down again the 
hard road we have traveled, faster than you came up. There, 
go you all on the rock, and I will bring up the Mohicans with 
the venison.” 

His passengers gladly complied with these directions. As 
the last foot touched the rock, the canoe whirled from its 


1 Glen’s Falls, on the Hudson Elver. 


36 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


station, when the tall form of the scout was seen, for an in- 
stant, gliding above the waters, before it disappeared in the 
impenetrable darkness that rested on the bed of the river. 
Left by their guide, the travelers remained a few minutes in 
helpless ignorance, afraid even to move along the broken rocks, 
lest a false step should precipitate them down some one of the 
many deep and roaring caverns, into which the water seemed 
to tumble, on every side of them. Their suspense, however, 
was soon relieved; for, aided by the skill of the natives, the 
canoe shot back into the eddy, and floated again at the side of 
the low rock, before they thought the scout had even time to 
rejoin his companions. 

‘‘We are now fortified, garrisoned, and provisioned,” cried 
Heyward, cheerfully, “ and may set Montcalm and his allies at 
defiance. How now, my vigilant sentinel, can you see any- 
thing of those you call the Iroquois, on the mainland ? Do 
your ears tell you that they have traced our retreat ? ” 

“ I should be sorry to think they had, though this is a spot 
that stout courage might hold for a smart scrimmage. I will 
not deny, however, but the horses cowered when I passed 
them, as though they scented the wolves; and a wolf is a 
beast that is apt to hover about an Indian ambushment, crav- 
ing the offals of the deer the savages kill.” 

The scout, while making his remarks, was busied in collect- 
ing certain necessary implements; as he concluded, he moved 
silently by the group of travelers, accompanied by the Mohi- 
cans, who seemed to comprehend his intentions with instinc- 
tive readiness, when the whole three disappeared in succession, 
seeming to vanish against the dark face of a perpendicular 
rock, that rose to the height of a few yards, within as many 
feet of the water’s edge. Smothered voices were next heard, 
as though men called to each other in the bowels of the earth, 
when a sudden light flashed upon those without, and laid 
bare the much-prized secret of the place. 

At the further extremity of a narrow, deep cavern in the 


glen's falls. 


37 


rock was seated the scout, holding a blazing knot of pine. At 
a little distance in advance stood Uncas, his whole person 
thrown powerfully into view. The travelers anxiously re- 
garded the upright, flexible flgure of the young Mohican, 
graceful and unrestrained in the attitudes and movements of 
nature. 

“Let us hope,” said Heyward, “that this Mohican may 
not disappoint our wishes, but prove, what his looks assert him 
to be, a brave and constant friend.” 

“Now Duncan Heyward speaks as Duncan Heyward 
should,” said Cora: “ who, that looks at this creature of Na- 
ture, remembers the shade of his skin ? ” 

A short silence succeeded this remark, which was inter- 
rupted by the scout calling to them aloud to enter. 

“ This Are begins to show too bright a flame,” he continued, 
as they complied, “ and might light the Mingoes to our undo- 
ing. Uncas, drop the blanket and show the knaves its dark 
side. This is not such a supper as a major of the Eoyal Amer- 
icans has a right to expect, but I’ve known stout detachments 
of the corps glad to eat their venison raw, and without a rel- 
ish, too. Here, you see, we have plenty of salt, and can make 
a quick broil. There’s fresh sassafras boughs for the ladies to 
sit on.’,’ 

Uncas did as the other had directed, and, when the voice of 
Hawkeye ceased, the roar of the cataract sounded like the 
rumbling of distant thunder. 

“Are we quite safe in this cavern?” demanded Heyward. 
“ Is there no danger of surprise ? A single armed man at its 
entrance would hold us at his mercy. ’ ’ 

A spectral-looking flgure now stalked from out the dark- 
ness behind the scout, and, seizing a blazing brand, held it 
toward the further extremity of their place of retreat. It was 
their attendant, Chingachgook, who, lifting another blanket, 
discovered that the cavern had two outlets. Then, holding 
the brand, he crossed a deep, narrow chasm in the rocks. 


88 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


which ran at right angles with the passage they were in^, but 
which, unlike that, was open to the heavens, and entered an- 
other cave, answering to the description of the first, in every 
essential particular. 

Such old foxes as Chingachgook and myself are not often 
caught in a burrow with one hole,” said Hawkeye, laughing; 
‘‘you can easily see the cunning of the place — the rock is 
black limestone. There are the falls on two sides of us, and 
the river above and below. If you had daylight, it would be 
worth the trouble to step on the height of this rock, and look 
at the perversity of the water. It falls by no rule at all; 
sometimes it leaps, sometimes it tumbles; there, it skips; 
here, it shoots; in one place ’tis white as snow, and in another, 
’tis green as grass.” 

As the scout had not found it necessary to cease his culinary 
labors while he spoke, they now suffered their attention to be 
drawn to the necessary though more vulgar consideration of 
their supper. 


CHAPTEE X. 

A STKANGE GET, 

The repast, which was greatly aided by the addition of a 
few delicacies that Heyward had the precaution to bring with 
him when they left their horses, was exceedingly refreshing to 
the wearied party. Tineas acted as attendant to the females, 
performing all the little offices within his power, with a mix- 
ture of dignity and anxious grace that served to amuse Hey- 
ward, who well knew that it was an utter innovation on the 
Indian customs, which forbid their warriors to descend to any 
menial employment, especially in favor of their women. 

“Come, friend,” said Hawkeye, drawing out a keg from 
beneath a cover of leaves, toward the close of the repast, and 
addressing the stranger who sat at his elbow, “try a little 


A STRANGE CRY. 


39 


spruce. * I drink to our better friendship. How do you. name 
yourself ? ” 

“ Gamut — David Gamut,” returned the singing-master. 

“A very good name, and, I dare say, handed down from 
honest forefathers. What may be your calling ? ” 

I am an unworthy instructor in the art of psalmody. I 
teach singing to the youths of the Connecticut levy.” “ 

‘‘You might be better employed, but I suppose it is your 
gift, and mustn’t be denied any more than if ’twas shooting 
or some other better inclination. Let us hear what you can 
do in that way; ’twill be a friendly manner of saying good- 
night, for ’tis time that these ladies should be getting strength 
for a hard and a long push, in the morning.” 

“ With a joyful pleasure do I consent,” said David, adjust- 
ing his iron-rimmed spectacles, and producing his hymn-book, 
which he tendered to Alice, who, with her sister, joined in 
the singing. The air was solemn and slow, and they were 
dwelling on one of the low, dying chords which the ear de- 
vours with rapture, when a cry, that seemed neither human 
nor earthly, rose in the outward air, penetrating not only 
the recesses of the cavern, but to the inmost hearts of all who 
heard it. It was followed by a stillness as deep as if the 
waters had been checked in their furious progress at such a 
horrid interruption. 

“What is it?” murmured Alice, after a few moments of 
terrible suspense. 

“ What is it? ” repeated Heyward aloud. 

Neither Hawkeye nor the Indians made any reply. They 
listened with a manner that expressed their own astonishment. 
At length they spoke together earnestly, when Uncas, passing 
by the inner aperture, left the cavern. When he had gone the 
scout first spoke in English. 

“What it is, none here can tell; though two of us have 

> a liquor made from the leaves and ^ body of soldiers ; troops enlisted or 
sprouts of the spruce-fir. levied for military service. 


40 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


ranged the woods for more than thirty years. I did believe 
there was no cry that Indian or beast could make that my ears 
had not heard; but this has proved that I was only a conceited 
mortal! Well, Uncas! ” speaking in Delaware to the young 
chief as he re-entered, “ what see you ? Do our lights shine 
through the blankets ? ” 

The answer was short, and apparently decided, being given 
in the same tongue. 

There is nothing to be seen without,” continued Hawkeye, 
“and our hiding-place is still in darkness. Pass into the 
other cave, you that need it, and seek for sleep; we must be 
afoot long before the sun.” 

Cora set the example of compliance with a steadiness that 
taught the more timid Alice the necessity of obedience. Be- 
fore leaving the place, however, she whispered a request to 
Duncan that he would follow. Dncas raised the blanket for 
their passage, and Heyward took with him a blazing knot, 
which threw a dim light through their new apartment. Plac- 
ing it in a favorable position, he joined the females, who now 
found themselves alone with him for the first time since they 
had left the friendly ramparts of Fort Edward. 

“Leave us not, Duncan,” said Alice; “we cannot sleep in 
such a place as this with that horrid cry still ringing in our 
ears! ” 

“First let us examine into the security of your fortress,” 
he answered, “and then we will speak of rest.” 

He approached the further end of the cavern to an outlet, 
which, like the others, was concealed by blankets, and, re- 
moving the thick screen, breathed the fresh and reviving air 
from the cataract. 

“ Nature has made an impenetrable barrier on this side,” he 
continued, pointing down into an arm of the river flowing 
beneath his feet, before he dropped the blanket; “and as 
you know that good men are on guard in front, I see no reason 
why the advice of our host should be disregarded. I am cer- 


A STRANGE CRY. 


41 


tain Cora will join me in saying that sleep is necessary to you 
both.” 

“ Cora may submit to the justice of your opinion, though . 
she cannot put it in practice,” returned the elder sister, who 
had placed herself by the side of Alice, on a couch of sassafras. 
“Ask yourself, Heyward, can daughters forget the anxiety a 
father must endure, whose children lodge, he knows not where 
or how ? ” 

“ He is a soldier, and knows how to estimate the chances of’ 
the woods.” 

“ How kind has he ever been to all my follies! how indul- 
gent to all my wishes! ” sobbed Alice. “We have been sel- 
fish, sister, in urging our visit at such hazard! ” 

“When he heard of your arrival at Edward,” said Hey- 
ward, “ there was a powerful struggle in his bosom between 
fear and love; though the latter, heightened, if possible, by so 
long a separation, quickly prevailed. ‘ It is the spirit of my 
noble-minded Cora that leads them, Duncan,’ he said, ‘and 
I will not balk it.’ ” 

Duncan ceased speaking; for, while his eyes were riveted on 
those of Alice, the same horrid cry as before filled the air. A 
long, breathless silence succeeded. At length, the blanket 
was slowly raised, and the scout stood in the aperture with a 
countenance whose firmness evidently began to give way before 
a mystery which seemed to threaten some danger, against 
which all his cunning and experience might prove of no avail. 

“ ’Twould be neglecting a warning that is given for our 
good, to lie hid any longer,” said Hawkeye, “when such 
sounds are raised in the forest! These gentle ones may keep 
close, but the Mohicans and I will watch upon the rock, where 
I suppose a major of the GOth would wish to keep us company. 
We cannot explain the cry just heard, and we, therefore, be- 
lieve it a sign for our good.” 

“It is extraordinary!” said Heyward, taking his pistols 
from the place where he had laid them on entering. “ Be it a 


42 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICAI^S. 


sign of peace or a signal of war, it must be looked to. Lead 
the way, my friend; I follow.” 

On issuing from their place of confinement, the eyes of each 
individual were bent along the opposite shores in quest of 
some signs of life that might explain the nature of the inter- 
ruption they had heard, but their anxious and eager looks 
rested only on naked rocks and straight and immovable trees. 

“Here is nothing to be seen but the gloom and quiet of a 
lovely evening,” whispered Heyward. 

As he spoke, the same sound arose once more as if from the 
bed of the river, and having broken out of the narrow bounds 
of the cliffs, was heard undulating through the forest, in dis- 
tant and dying cadences. 

“Can any here give a name to such a cry?” demanded 
Hawkeye when the last echo was lost in the woods; “if so, 
let him speak; for myself, I judge it not to belong to ’arth.” 

“ Here, then, is one who can undeceive you,” said Duncan. 
“ I know the sound full well, for often have I heard it on the 
field of battle. ’Tis the horrid shriek that a horse will give 
in his agony. My charger is either a prey to the beasts of 
the forest, or he sees his danger, without the power to avoid it. 
The sound might deceive me in the cavern, but in the open 
air I know it too well to be wrong.” 

The scout and his companions listened to this simple expla- 
nation with the interest of men who imbibe new ideas at the 
same time that they get rid of old ones. The two latter ut- 
tered their usual exclamation, “Hugh!” as the truth first 
glanced upon their minds, while the former, after a short 
pause, took upon himself to reply. 

“I cannot deny your words,” he said; “for I am little 
skilled in horses, though born where they abound. The 
wolves must be hovering above their heads on the bank, and 
the timorsome creatures are calling on man for help, in the 
best manner they are able. Uncas ” — he spoke in Delaware 
— “ Uncas, drop down in the canoe, and whirl a brand among 


THE ATTACK. 


48 


the pack; or fear may do what the wolves can’t get at to per- 
form, and leave us without horses in the morning.” 

The young native had already descended to the water to 
comply, when a low howl was raised on the edge of the rive , 
and was borne swiftly off into the depths of the forest, as 
though the beasts, of their own accord, were abandoning their 
prey in sudden terror. Uncas, with instinctive quickness, 
receded, and the three foresters held another of their low, 
earnest conferences. 

‘‘We have been like hunters who have lost the points of 
the heavens,” said Hawkeye, turning away from his com- 
panions; “ now we begin again to know the signs of our course, 
and the paths are cleared from briers! Seat yourselves in the 
shade which the moon throws from yonder beech, and let us 
wait for that which the Lord may choose to send next. Let 
all your conversation be in whispers; though it would be better, 
perhaps, if each one held discourse with his own thoughts, for 
a time.” 


CHAPTER XI. 

THE ATTACK. 

Ik such circumstances common prudence dictated that 
Heyward and his companions should imitate a caution that 
proceeded from so intelligent a source. The young man drew 
a pile of sassafras from the cave, and placing it in the chasm 
which separated the two caverns, it was occupied by the 
sisters, who were thus protected by the rocks from any mis- 
siles. Heyward himself was posted at hand, so near that he 
might communicate with his companions without raising his 
voice to a dangerous elevation ; while David bestowed his per- 
son in such a manner among the fissures of the rocks that his 
ungainly limbs were no longer offensive to the eye. 

In this manner hours passed by without further interrup- 
tion. The moon reached the zenith, and shed its mild light 


44 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


on the sisters slumbering peacefully in each other’s arms. 
Duncan cast a shawl of Cora’s before a spectacle he so much 
loved to contemplate, and then suffered his own head to seek 
a pillow on the rock. David began to utter sounds that 
would have shocked his delicate organs in more wakeful mo- 
ments; in short, all but Hawkeye and the Mohicans lost every 
idea of consciousness in uncontrollable drowsiness. But the 
watchfulness of these vigilant protectors neither tired nor 
slumbered. It was continued until the moon had set, and a 
pale streak above the tree-tops, at the bend of the river a little 
below, announced the approach of day. Then, for the first 
time, Hawkeye was seen to stir. He crawled along the rock, 
and shook Duncan from his heavy slumbers. 

“ Now is the time to journey,” he whispered; “ awake the 
gentle ones, and be ready to get into the canoe when I bring 
it to the landing-place.” 

Duncan immediately lifted the shawl from the sleeping 
females. The motion caused Cora to raise her hand as if to 
repulse him, while Alice murmured, in her soft, gentle voice: 
“No, no, dear father, we were not deserted; Duncan was 
with us! ” 

“Yes, sweet innocence,” whispered the youth: “Duncan 
is here. Cora! Alice! awake! The hour has come to move ! ” 

A loud shriek from the younger of the sisters, and the form 
of the other standing upright before him in bewildered horror, 
was the unexpected answer he received. While the words were 
still on the lips of Heyward, there had arisen such a tumult 
of yells and cries as served to drive the swift currents of his 
own blood back from its bounding course into the fountain of 
his heart. The cries came from no particular direction, 
though it was evident they filled the woods, and, as the ap- 
palled listeners easily imagined, the caverns of the falls, the 
rocks, the bed of the river, and the upper air. David raised 
his tall person in the midst of the infernal din, with a hand 
on either ear, exclaiming: 


THE ATTACK. 


45 


“ Whence comes this discord ? Has hell broke loose that 
man should utter sounds like these? ” 

The bright flashes and the quick reports of a dozen rifles 
fiiom the opposite bank of the stream, followed this incautious 
exposure of his person, and left the unfortunate singing-mas- 
ter senseless on tliat rock where he had been so long slumber- 
ing. The Mohicans boldly sent back the intimidating yell of 
their enemies, who raised a shout of savage triumph at the 
fall of G-amut. The flash ‘ of rifles was then quick and close 
between them, but either party was too well skilled to leave 
even a limb exposed to the hostile aim. Duncan listened with 
intense anxiety for the strokes of the paddle, believing that 
flight was now their only refuge. The river glanced by with 
its ordinary velocity, but the canoe was nowhere to be seen on 
its dark waters. He had just fancied they were cruelly de- 
serted by the scout, as a stream of flame issued from the rock 
beneath him, and a shriek of agony announced that the mes- 
senger of death, sent from the fatal weapon of Hawkeye, had 
found a victim. At this slight repulse the assailants instantly 
withdrew, and gradually the place became as still as before 
the sudden tumult. 

Duncan seized the favorable moment to spring to the body 
of Gamut, which he bore within the shelter of the narrow 
chasm that protected the sisters. In another minute the whole 
party was collected in this spot of comparative safety. 

‘‘The poor fellow has saved his scalp,” said Hawkeye, 
coolly, passing his hand over the head of David; “ but he is a 
proof that a man may be born with too long a tougue. ’Twas 
downright madness to show six feet of flesh and blood, on 
a naked rock, to the raging savages.” 

“ Is he not dead ? ” demanded Cora. “ Can we do aught 
to assist the wretched man ? ” 

“ No, no! the life is in his heart yet, and after he has slept 
awhile he will come to himself,” returned Hawkeye. “ Carry 
him in, Uncas, and lay him on the sassafras. The longer his 


46 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


nap the better for him, as I doubt whether he can find a proper 
cover for such a shape on these rocks; and singing won’t do 
any good with the Iroquois.” 

You believe, then, the attack will be renewed?” asked 
Heyward. 

Do I expect a hungry wolf will satisfy his craving with a 
mouthful? They have lost a man, and ’tis their fashion, when 
they meet a loss, and fail in the surprise, to fall back ; but we 
shall have them on again. Our main hope will be to keep the 
rock until Munro can send a party to our help! ” 

‘'Y^ou hear our probable fortunes, Cora,” said Duncan, 
‘‘and you know we have everything to hope from the anxiety 
and experience of your father. Come, then, with Alice, into 
this cavern, where you will be safe from the murderous rifles 
of our enemies, and’ where you may bestow a care on our un- 
fortunate comrade.” 

The sisters followed him into the outer cave, where David 
was beginning, by his sighs, to give symptoms of returning 
consciousness; and then commending the wounded man to 
their attention, he joined the scout and his companions, who 
still lay within the protection of the chasm between the two 
caves. 

“I tell you, Uncas,” said the former, as Heyward joined 
them, “you are wasteful of your powder, and the kick of the 
rifle disconcerts your aim. Little powder, light lead, and a 
long arm seldom fail of bringing the death-screech from a 
Mingo ! At least, such has been my experience with the crea- 
tures. Come, friends, let us to our covers, for no man can tell 
when or where a Maqua^ will strike his blow.” 

The Indians silently repaired to their appointed stations, 
which were fissures in the rocks, whence they could command 
the approaches to the foot of the falls. In the center of the 

^ It will be observed that Hawkeye ap- Indians rarely use the same name when 
plies different names to his enemies. Mingo different tribes speak of each other. Mingo 
and Maqna are terms of contempt, and Iro- was the Delaware term for the Five Nations ; 
quois is a name given by the French. The Maqua was the Duich..— Author's Note. 


THE ATTACK. 


47 


little island, a few short and stunted pines had found root, 
forming a thicket, into which Hawkeye darted with the swift- 
ness of a deer, followed by the active Duncan. Here they 
secured themselves among the shrubs and fragments of stone 
that were scattered about the place. Above them was a hare, 
rounded rock, on each side of which the water played its gam- 
bols, and plunged into the ab3^sses beneath. 

A long and anxious watch succeeded, but without any fur- 
ther evidences of a renewed attack; and Duncan began to 
hope that their enemies had been elfectually repulsed. When 
he ventured to utter this impression to his companion, it was 
met by Hawkeye with an incredulous shake of the head. 

“ You know not the nature of a Maqua, if you think he is 
so easily beaten back without a scalp,” he answered. “ Hist! 
look into the water above, just where it breaks over the rocks. 
The risky devils have swam down upon the very pitch, and 
have hit the very head of the island. Hist! man, keep close! 
or the hair will be off your crown in the turning of a knife ! ’ ’ 

Heyward lifted his head from the cover, and beheld a prod- 
igy of rashness and skill. The river had worn away the edge 
of the soft rock in such a manner as to render its. first pitch 
less perpendicular than is usual at waterfalls. A party of 
their foes had ventured into the current, and swam down upon 
this point, knowing the ready access it would give, if success- 
ful, to their intended victims. As Hawkeye ceased speaking, 
four human heads could be seen peering above the few logs 
of drift-wood that had lodged on these naked rocks. 

He placed a finger in his mouth, and drew a long, shrill 
whistle, which was answered from the rocks, that were guarded 
by the Mohicans. Duncan caught glimpses of the heads above 
the scattered drift-wood, as this signal rose on the air, but 
they disappeared again as suddenly as they had glanced upon 
his sight. A low, rustling sound next drew his attention 
behind him, and, turning his head, he beheld Tineas within a 
few feet, creeping to his side. Hawkeye spoke to him in Del- 


48 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


aware, when the young chief took his position with singular 
caution and undisturbed coolness. 

At that moment the woods were filled with another burst of 
cries; and, at the signal, four savages sprang from the cover 
of the drift-wood. Heyward felt a burning desire to rush 
forward to meet them, so intense was the delirious anxiety of 
the moment: but he was restrained by the deliberate examples 
of the scout and Uncas. When their foes, who leaped over 
the black rocks that divided them, with long bounds, uttering 
the wildest yells, were within a few rods, the rifie of Hawkeye 
slowly rose from among the shrubs, and poured out its fatal 
contents. The foremost Indian bounded like a stricken deer 
and fell headlong among the clefts of the island. 

^‘How, Uncas!” cried the scout, drawing his long knife, 
while his quick eye began to fiash with ardor, “take the last 
of the screeching imps; of the other two we are sartain! ” 

He was obeyed; and but two enemies remained to be over- 
come. Heyward had given one of his pistols to Hawkeye, and 
together they rushed down a little declivity toward their foes; 
they discharged their weapons at the same instant, and equally 
without success. 

“ I know’d it, and I said it! ” muttered the scout, whirling 
the despised little implement over the falls with bitter disdain. 
“Come on, ye bloody-minded hell-hounds! ye meet a man 
without a cross! ” ‘ 

The words were barely uttered when he encountered a sav- 
age of gigantic stature and of the fiercest mien. At the same 
moment Duncan found himself engaged with the other in a 
similar contest of hand to hand. With ready skill, Hawkeye 
and his antagonist each grasped the uplifted arm of the other 
which held the dangerous knife. For nearly a minute they 
stood looking one another in the eye, and gradually exerting 
the power of their muscles for the mastery. At length the 
toughened sinews of the white man prevailed over the less 

» i.e., having no Indian blood in his veins ; of pure white stock or descent. 


THE ATTACK. 


49 


practiced limbs of the native. The arm of the latter slowly 
gave way before the increasing force of the scout, who, sud- 
denly wresting his armed hand from the grasp of his foe, 
drove his sharp weapon through his naked bosom to the heart. 
In the meantime Heyward had been pressed in a more deadly 
struggle. His slight sword was snapped in the first encounter. 
As he was destitute of any other means of defense, his safety 
now depended entirely on bodily strength and resolution. 
Happily, he soon succeeded in disarming his adversary, whose 
knife fell on the rock at their feet; and from this moment it 
became a fierce struggle who should cast the other over the 
dizzy height into a neighboring cavern of the falls. Each 
successive struggle brought them nearer to the verge, where 
Duncan perceived the final and conquering effort must be 
made. Each of the combatants threw all his energies into 
that effort, and the result was, that both tottered on the 
brink of the precipice. Heyward felt the grasp of the other 
at his throat, and saw the grim smile the savage gave, under 
the revengeful hope that he hurried his enemy to a fate simi- 
lar to his own, as he felt his body slowly yielding to a resist- 
less power, and the young man experienced the passing agony 
of such a moment in all its dark horrors. At that instant of 
extreme danger a dark hand and a glancing knife appeared 
before him; the Indian released his hold as the blood flowed 
freely from around the severed tendons of his wrist; and, 
while Duncan was drawn backward by tlie saving arm of 
Uncas, his charmed eyes were still riveted on the fierce and 
disappointed countenance of his foe, who fell sullenly and dis- 
appointed down the precipice. 

To cover! to cover! ” cried Hawkeye, who just then had 
dispatched his enemy; “ to cover, for your lives! The work is 
but half ended! ” 

The young Mohican gave a shout of triumph, and, followed 
by Duncan, he glided up the acclivity they had descended to the 
combat, and sought the friendly shelter of the rocks and shrubs. 

4 


50 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


CHAPTER XII. 

THE WAERIOK IN THE OAK. 

The warning call of the scout was not uttered without oc- 
casion. During the occurrence of the deadly encounter just 
related, the roar of the falls was unbroken by any human 
sound whatever. The moment the struggle was decided, a 
yell arose as fierce and savage as wild and revengeful passions 
could throw into the air. It was followed by the swift flashes 
of the rifles, which sent their leaden messengers across the 
rock in volleys, as though the assailants would pour out their 
impotent fury on the insensible scene of the fatal contest. 

‘‘Let them burn their powder,” said the deliberate scout, 
while bullet after bullet whizzed by the place where he securely 
lay; “ there will be a fine gathering of lead when it is over, 
and I fancy the imps will tire of the sport afore these old 
stones cry out for mercy! Uncas, boy, I told you to take that 
loping miscreant under the line of white paint; ^ now, if your 
bullet went a hair’s breadth, it went two inches above it. The 
life lies low in a Mingo, and humanity teaches us to make a 
quick end of the sarpents.” 

“ I cannot permit you to accuse Uncas of want of judgment 
or of skill,” said Duncan; “he saved my life in the coolest 
and readiest manner, and he has made a friend who never will 
require to be reminded of the debt he owes.” 

“ Life is an obligation which friends often owe to each 
other in the wilderness,” replied Hawkeye. “ I dare say I 
may have served Uncas some such turn myself before now; 
and I well remember that he has stood between me and death 
five times; three times from the Mingoes, and ” 

“ That bullet was better aimed than common! ” exclaimed 

J referring to the Indian’s war-paint. The other parts of their bodies before going to 
Indians stained or painted their faces and war. 


THE WAERIOR IN THE OAK. 


51 


Duncan, involuntarily shrinking from a shot which struck the 
rock at Jiis side with a smart rebound. 

Hawkeye laid his hand on the shapeless metal, and shook 
his head, as he examined it, saying, “ Falling lead is never 
flattened! Had it come from the clouds this might have hap- 
pened.” 

But the rifle of Uncas was raised toward the heaven, direct- 
ing the eye of his companions to a point where the mystery 
was explained. A ragged oak greAV on the right bank of the 
river, nearly opposite to their position, and among the top- 
most leaves, which scantily concealed the stunted limbs, a 
savage was nestled, partly concealed by the trunk of the tree, 
and partly exposed, as though looking down upon them to 
ascertain the effect produced by his treacherous aim. 

“These devils will scale heaven to circumvent us to our 
ruin,” said Hawkeye; “keep him in play, boy, until I can 
bring Killdeer^ to bear, when we will try his metal on each 
side of the tree at once.” 

IJncas delayed his fire until the scout uttered the word. 
The rifles flashed, the leaves and bark of the oak flew into the 
air, and were scattered by the wind, but the Indian answered 
their assault by a taunting laugh, sending down upon them 
another bullet in return, that struck the cap of Hawkeye from 
his head. Once more the savage yells burst out of the woods, 
and the leaden hail whistled above the heads of the besieged. 

“This must be looked to,” said the scout, glancing about 
him with an anxious eye. “Uncas, call up your father; we 
have need of all our we’pons to bring the cunning varment 
from his roost. 

The signal was instantly given; and, before Hawkeye had 
reloaded his rifle, they were joined by Chingachgook. They 
then conversed earnestly together in Delaware for a few 
moments, when each quietly took his post, in order to execute 
the plan they had speedily devised. 

» the name of a favorite rifle of Hawkeye’s. 


52 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


The warrior in the oak had maintained a quick though in- 
effectual fire, from the moment of his discovery. But his 
aim was interrupted by the vigilance of his enemies, whose 
rifies instantaneously bore on any part of his person that was 
left exposed. Still his bullets fell in the center of the crouch- 
ing party. The clothes of Heyward, which rendered him 
peculiarly conspicuous, were repeatedly cut, and once blood 
was drawn from a slight wound in his arm. 

At length the Huron attempted a better and more fatal 
aim. The quick eyes of the Mohicans caught the dark line 
of his lower limbs incautiously exposed through the thin foli- 
age, a few inches from the trunk of the tree. Their rifles 
made a common report, when, sinking on his wounded limb, 
part of the body of the savage came into view. Swift as 
thought, Hawkeye seized the advantage, and discharged his 
fatal weapon into the top of the oak. The leaves were unusu- 
ally agitated; and, after a few moments of vain struggling, 
the form of the savage was seen swinging in the wind, while 
he still grasped a branch of the tree, with hands clenched in 
desperation. 

Give him, in pity give him the contents of another rifle! ” 
cried Duncan, turning away his eyes in horror from the spec- 
tacle of a fellow-creature in such awful jeopardy. 

“ Hot a karnel! ” ^ exclaimed Hawkeye; “ his death is cer- 
tain, and we have no powder to spare, for Indian fights some- 
times last for days; ’tis their scalps or ours! — and God, who 
made us, has put into our natures the craving to keep the skin 
on the head! ” 

Against this stern morality there was no appeal. From that 
moment the yells in the forest once more ceased, the fire was 
suffered to decline, and all eyes, those of friends as well as 
enemies, became fixed on the hopeless condition of the wretch 
who was dangling between heaven and earth. At length one 
hand of the Huron lost its hold and dropped exhausted to his 

* kernel, meaning grain of powder. 


GOOD SWIMMERS. 


63 


side. A desperate struggle to recover the branch succeeded, 
and then the savage was seen for a fleeting instant grasping 
wildly at the empty air. The lightning is not quicker than 
was the flame from the rifle of Hawkeye; the limbs of the 
victim trembled and contracted, and the body parted the 
foaming waters like lead, when the element closed above it in 
its ceaseless velocity, and every vestige of the unhappy Huron 
was lost forever. A single yell burst from the woods, and all 
was again still. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

GOOD SW^IMMERS. 

Hawkeye shook his head at his own momentary weakness, 
even uttering his self-disapprobation aloud. 

“ ’Twas the last charge in my horn and the last bullet in my 
pouch, and ’twas the act of a boy! ” he said; ‘Svhat mat- 
tered it whether he struck the rock living or dead! Feeling 
would soon be over. Uncas, lad, go down to the canoe, and 
bring up the big horn; it is all the powder we have left, and 
we shall need it to the last grain.” 

The young Mohican complied, leaving the scout turning 
over the useless contents of his pouch, and shaking the empty 
horn. From this unsatisfactory examination he was soon 
called by a loud exclamation from Uncas, that sounded as the 
signal of some new calamity. Every thought filled with ap- 
prehension for the precious treasure he had concealed in the 
cavern, the young man started to his feet, totally regardless of 
the hazard he incurred by such an exposure. His move- 
ments were imitated by his companions, and, together, they 
rushed down the pass to the friendly chasm, with a rapidity 
that rendered the scattering fire of their enemies perfectly 
harmless. The cry had brought the sisters, together with the 
wounded David, from their place of refuge, and the whole 


54 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


party, at a single glance, was made acquainted with the nature 
of the disaster. 

At a short distance from the rock their little hark was 
seen floating across the eddy, toward the swift current of 
the river, in a manner which proved that its course was 
directed by some hidden agent. The instant this unwelcome 
sight caught the eye of the scout, his rifle was leveled, as by 
instinct, but the barrel gave no answer to the bright sparks of 
the flint. 

“ ’Tis too late, ’tis too late! ” Hawkeye exclaimed, dropping 
the useless piece in bitter disappointment; the miscreant has 
struck the rapid; and, had we powder, it could hardly send 
the lead swifter than he now goes! ” 

The adventurous Huron raised his head above the shelter of 
the canoe, and while it glided swiftly down the stream, he 
waved his hand, and gave forth the shout which was the 
known signal of success. His cry was answered by a yell and 
a laugh from the woods. 

What is to be done ? ” demanded Duncan, losing the first 
feeling of disappointment in a more manly desire for exer- 
tion : ‘ ^ What will become of us ? ” 

Hawkeye made no other reply than by passing his finger 
around the crown of his head, in a manner so significant that 
none who witnessed the action could mistake its meaning.^ 

“ Surely our case is not so desperate! ” exclaimed the youth; 
‘‘ the Hurons are not here; we may make good the caverns; we 
may oppose their landing.” 

“ With what ? ” coolly demanded the scout. ‘‘ The arrows 
of Uncas, or such tears as women shed! No, no; you are 
young, and rich, and have friends, and at such an age I know 
it is hard to die! But,” glancing his eyes at the Mohicans, 
let us remember we are men without a cross, and let us teach 
these natives of the forest that white blood can run as freely 
as red, when the appointed hour is come.” 

1 i.e., that they would he scalped by the Indians. 


GOOD SWIMMERS. 


55 


“Why die at all!” said Cora, advancing from the place 
where natural horror had, until this moment, held her riveted 
to the rock. “ The path is open on every side; fly, then, to 
the woods, and call on God for succor. Go, brave men; we 
owe you too much already; let us no longer involve you in 
our hapless fortunes.” 

“ You hut little know the craft of the Iroquois, lady, if 
you judge they have left the path open to the woods! ” re- 
turned Hawkeye, who, however, immediately added, “the 
down-stream current, it is certain, might soon sweep us be- 
yond the reach of their rifles.” 

“ Then try the river. Why linger, to add to the number of 
the victims of our enemies? ” 

“ Why? ” repeated the scout. “ Because it is better for a 
man to die at peace with himself than to live haunted by an 
evil conscience. What answer could we give Munro when he 
asked us where and how we left his children ? ” 

“ Go to him, and say that you left them with a message to 
hasten to their aid,” returned Cora, advancing nigher to the 
scout, in her generous ardor, “that the Hurons bear them 
into the northern wilds, but that by vigilance and speed they 
may yet be rescued; and if, after all, it should please Heaven 
that his assistance come too late, bear to him,” she continued, 
her voice gradually lowering, until it seemed nearly choked, 
“the love, the blessings, the final prayers of his daughters, 
and bid him not mourn their early fate, but to look forward 
with humble confidence to the Christian’s goal to meet his 
children.” 

The hard, weather-beaten features of the scout began to 
work, and, when she had ended, he drooped his chin to his 
hand, like a man musing profoundly on the nature of the 
proposal. 

“ There is reason in her words! ” at length broke from his 
trembling lips; “ ay, and they bear the spirit of Christianity; 
what might be right and proper in a red-skin, may be sinful in 


56 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


a man who has not even a cross in blood to plead for his igno- 
rance. Chingachgook ! Uncas! hear you the talk of the 
dark-eyed woman ? ” 

He now spoke in Delaware to liis companions, and his ad- 
dress seemed very decided. The elder Mohican appeared to 
ponder on his words, as though he felt the importance of their 
import. After a moment of hesitatioD, he waved his hand in 
assent, and uttered the English word Good,” with the pe- 
culiar emphasis of his people. Then, replacing his knife and 
tomahawk in his girdle, the warrior moved silently to the edge 
of the rock which was most concealed from the banks of the 
river. Here he paused a moment, pointed significantly to the 
woods below, and, saying a few words in his own language, as 
if indicating his intended route, he dropped into the water, 
and sunk from before the eyes of the witnesses of his move- 
ments. The scout delayed his departure to speak to the gen- 
erous girl, whose breathing became lighter as she saw the suc- 
cess of her remonstrance. 

“ Wisdom is sometimes given to the young, as well as to the 
old,” he said; and what you have spoken is wise, not to call 
it by a better word. If you are led into the woods, that is, 
such of you as may be spared for awhile, break the twigs on 
the bushes as you pass, and make the marks of your trail as 
broad as you can, when, if mortal eyes can see them, depend 
on having a friend who will follow to the ends of ’arth afore 
he desarts you ! ’ ’ 

He gave Cora an affectionate shake of the hand, lifted his 
rifle, and, after regarding it a moment with melancholy solici- 
tude, carefully laid it aside, and descended to the place where 
Chingachgook had just disappeared. For an instant he hung 
suspended by the rock; and, looking about him, added, bit- 
terly, “Had the powder held out, this disgrace could never 
have befallen!” then, loosening his hold, the water closed 
above his head, and he also became lost to view. All eyes 
were now turned on Uncas, who stood leaning against the 


GOOD SWIMMERS. 


57 


ragged rock, in immovable composure. After waiting a short 
time, Cora pointed down the river, and said : 

‘‘ Your friends have not been seen, and are now, most prob- 
ably, in safety; is it not time for you to follow ? ” 

“ Uncas will stay,” the young Mohican calmly answered in 
English. 

“To increase the horror of our capture, and to diminish 
the chances of our release! Go, generous young man,” Cora 
continued, “go to my father, and be the most confidential of 
my messengers. Tell him to trust you with the means to buy 
the freedom of his daughters. Go! ’tis my wish. His my 
prayer, that you will go ! ” 

The young chief no longer hesitated. With a noiseless step 
he crossed the rock, and dropped into the troubled stream. 
Hardly a breath ‘was drawn by those he left behind, until they 
caught a glimpse of his head emerging for air, far down the 
current, when he again sank, and was seen no more. After 
the last look at Uncas, Cora turned, and, with a quivering 
lip, addressed herself to Heyward: 

“ I have heard of your boasted skill in the water, too, Dun- 
can,” she said; “follow, then, the wise example set you by 
t|iese simple and faithful beings.” 

“Is such the faith that Cora Munro would exact from her 
protector?” said the young man, smiling mournfully, but 
with bitterness. 

“ This is a time,” she answered, “ when every duty should 
be equally considered. To us you can be of no further ser- 
vice here, but your precious life may be saved for other and 
nearer friends.” 

He made no reply, though his eyes fell wistfully on the 
beautiful form of Alice, who was clinging to his arm with the 
dependency of an infant. 

“ Consider,” continued Cora, “ that the worst to us can be 
but death; a tribute that all must pay at the good time of 
God’s appointment.” 


58 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


‘‘ There are evils worse than death,” said Duncan, speaking 
hoarsely, “ but which the presence of one who would die in 
your behalf may avert.” 

Cora ceased her entreaties, and, veiling her face in her shawl, 
drew the nearly insensible Alice after her into the deepest 
recess of the inner cavern. 

CHAPTEK XIV. 

FOUR PRISONERS. 

The sudden and almost magical change from the stirring 
incidents of the combat to the stillness that now reigned 
around him, acted on the heated imagination of Heyward like 
some exciting dream. Leading David into* the cavern, and 
drawing a pile of sassafras before the passage, he seated him- 
self in the center, grasping his pistol with a hand convulsively 
clenched. The Hurons, if they come, may not gain our posi- 
tion so easily as they think,” he lowly muttered; and, drop- 
ping his head hack against the rock, he seemed to await the 
result in patience. 

With the last sound of his voice, a deep, long, and almost 
breathless silence succeeded. As minute after minute passed 
by, leaving them in undisturbed security, hope was gradually 
gaining possession of every bosom, though each one felt reluc- 
tant to give utterance to expectations that the next moment 
might so fearfully destroy. 

David alone formed an exception to these emotions. A 
gleam of light from the opening crossed his wan countenance, 
and fell upon the pages of the little volume, whose leaves he 
was again occupied in turning, as if searching for some song 
fitted to their condition. At length his industry found its 
reward; for, without explanation or apology, he pronounced 
the words, ‘‘Isle of Wight,” drew a sweet sound from his 
pitch-pipe, and then ran through the preliminary modula- 


FOUR PRISONERS. 


59 


tions of the air whose name he had just mentioned. He was 
filling the arches of the cave with long and full tones when 
a yell hurst into the air without, that instantly stilled his pious 
strains, choking his voice suddenly, as though his heart had 
bounded into the passage of his throat. 

“ We are lost! ” exclaimed Alice, throwing herself into the 
arms of Cora. 

“Hot yet, not yet,” returned Heyward; “the sound came 
from the center of the island. AYe are not yet discovered, and 
there is still hope.” 

A second yell soon folloAved the first, when a rush of voices 
was heard pouring down the island, from its upper to its lower 
extremity, until they reached the naked rock above the cav- 
erns, where, after a shout of savage triumph, the air contin- 
ued full of horrible cries and screams, such as man alone can 
utter, and he only when in a state of the fiercest barbarity. 

In the midst of this tumult, a triumphant yell was raised 
within a few yards of the hidden entrance to the cave. Hey- 
ward abandoned every hope, with the belief it was the signal 
that they were discovered. Again the impression passed away, 
as he heard the voices collect near the spot where the white 
man had so reluctantly abandoned his rifle. Amid the jargon 
of the Indian dialects that he now plainly heard, it was easy 
to distinguish not only words, but sentences. A burst of 
voices had shouted simultaneously, “ La Longue Carabine! ” * 
causing the woods to re-echo with a name which Heyward well 
remembered had been given by his enemies to a celebrated 
hunter and scout of the English camp, and who, he now 
learned for the first time, had been his late companion. 

“ La Longue Carabine! La Longue Carabine! ” passed from 
mouth to mouth, until the whole band appeared to be collected 
around a trophy which would seem to announce the death 
of its formidable owner. After a consultation, which was, at 
times, deafened by bursts of savage joy, they again separated, 

1 French for The Long Rifle, one of the names the Indians gave to Hawkeye. 


60 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


filling the air with the name of a foe whose body, Heyward 
could collect from their expression, they hoped to find con- 
cealed in some crevice of the island. 

‘‘ Now,” he whispered to the trembling sisters, ‘‘ now is the 
moment of uncertainty; if our place of retreat escape this 
scrutiny, we are still safe! In every event, we are assured by 
what has fallen from our enemies, that our friends have 
escaped, and in two short hours we may look for succor from 
Webb.” 

‘‘ Then to Heaven will I return my thanks! ” exclaimed the 
younger sister, casting herself on the naked rock. But when 
her lips moved, the words they should have uttered appeared 
frozen by some new and sudden chill. Her bloom gave place 
to the paleness of death ; while those hands which she had raised 
toward heaven, dropped in horizontal lines before her, the 
fingers pointing forward in convulsed motion. Heyward 
turned the instant she gave a direction to his suspicions, and, 
peering just above the ledge which formed the threshold of the 
open outlet of the cavern, beheld the malignant and savage 
features of Le Renard Subtil. Forgetful of everything but 
the impulses of his hot blood, he leveled his pistol and fired. 
The report of the weapon made the cavern bellow like an erup- 
tion from a volcano; and when the smoke it vomited had been 
driven away before the current of air whicli issued from the 
ravine, the place so lately occupied by the features of his 
treacherous guide was vacant. Rushing to the outlet, Hey- 
ward caught a glimpse of his dark figure, stealing around a 
low and narrow ledge, which soon hid him entirely from sight. 

Among the savages a frightful stillness succeeded the ex- 
plosion, which had just been heard bursting from the bowels 
of the rock. But when Le Renard raised his voice in a long 
and intelligible whoop, it was answered by a yell from every 
Indian within hearing of the sound. The clamorous noises 
again rushed down the island; and, before Duncan had time 
to recover from the shock, the cavern was entered at both its 


DUNCAN TRIES THE! POTENCY OF GOLD. 


61 


extremities, aad he and his dompanions were dragged from 
their shelter and borne into the day, where they stood sur- 
rounded by the whole band of the triumphant Hurons. 

chapt;er XV. 

DUNCAN TRIES THE! POTENCY OF GOLD. 

The instant the shock of this sudden misfortune had abated, 
Duncan began to make his observations on the appearance and 
proceedings of their captors. - Contrary to the usages of the 
natives in the wantonness of tlneir success, they had respected, 
not only the persons of the trembling sisters, but his own. 
The rich ornaments of his .military attire had indeed been 
repeatedly handled by different individuals of the tribe with 
eyes expressing a savage longi.ig to possess the baubles; but, 
before the customary violence could be resorted to, a mandate 
in the authoritative voice of a warrior of gigantic size, stayed 
the uplifted hand, and convinced Heyward that they were to 
be reserved for some object of particular moment. 

While, however, these manifestations of weakness were ex- 
hibited by the young and vain of the party, the more expe- 
rienced warriors continued th(3ir search throughout both cav- 
erns with an activity thid denoted they were far from being 
satisfied with those fruits of tiheir conquest which had already 
been brought to light. Unalfie to discover any new victim, 
they soon approached tlieir ri'iale prisoners, pronouncing the 
name of “La Longue Carabine,” with a fierceness that could 
not easily be mistaken. 

“You hear,” said Magua, “the red Hurons call for the 
life of ‘ The Long Rifle,’ or they will have the blood of them 
that keep him hid ! ” 

“ He is gone — escaped,” replied Heyward. “ He is far be- 
yond their reach.” 

Renard smiled with cold contempt, as he answered; 


62 


THE LAST OF TiHE MOHICANS. 


Is he a bird, to spread his swings; or is he a fish, to swim 
without air? The white chiel^' reads in his books, and he 
believes the Hurons are fools! 

Though no fish, ‘ The Long Eifle ’ can swim. He floated 
down the stream when the powder was all burned, and when 
the eyes of the Hurons were belkind a cloud.” 

The Hurons had awaited tbU result of this dialogue with 
characteristic patience. When ileyward ceased to speak, they 
turned their eyes on Magua foij’ an explanation of what had 
been said.® As soon as the truth was generally understood, 
the savages raised a frightful yell, which declared the extent 
of their disappointment. Somie threw threatening looks at 
those captives who still remained in their power; while one 
or two even gave vent to their m^ lignant feelings by the most 
meaning gestures, against wdiich neither the sex nor the 
beauty of the sisters was any protection. The young soldier 
made a desperate but fruitless effort to spring to the side of 
Alice, when he saw the dark ha^nd of a savage twisted in the 
rich tresses which were flowing in volumes over her shoulders, 
while a knife was passed around the head from which they 
fell, as if to denote the horrid mjanner in which it was about 
to be robbed of its beautiful ornament. But his hands were 
bound; and at the first movement he made, he felt the grasp 
of the powerful Indian who directed the band, pressing his 
shoulder like a vise. Immediat([ly conscious how unavailing 
any struggle against such an ove?*whelming force must prove, 
he submitted to his fate, encouraging his gentle companions 
by a few low and tender assurances that the natives seldom 
failed to threaten more than they performed. 

The stolen canoe, by which the savages had made their 
descent on the island, was now placed near the mouth of the 
outer cavern, and the leader made signs to the prisoners to 
descend and enter. As resistance was impossible, Heyward 

» meaning Heyward. English, in which Heyward and Magua had 

3 the other Indians not understanding been speaking. 


t 


DUNCAN TRIES THE POTENCY OF GOLD. 


63 


led the way into the canoe, where he was soon seated with the 
sisters and David. In a few moments the captives found them- 
selves on the south bank of the stream, nearly opposite to the 
point where they had struck it on the preceding evening. 
Here was held a consultation, during which the horses were 
led from the cover of the woods. 

The band now divided. The great chief already mentioned, 
mounted the charger of Heyward, and, followed by most of 
his people, disappeared in the woods, leaving the prisoners in 
charge of six savages, at whose head was Le Eenard Subtil. 
Duncan witnessed all their movements with renewed uneasi- 
ness. No otlier expectation was left for himself and compan- 
ions but to be retained as hopeless captives. Anxious to know 
the worst and willing to try the potency of gold, he addressed 
himself to his former guide, saying in tones as friendly as he 
could assume : 

Does not Eenard mean to carry to the rich and gray-headed 
Scotchman his daughters ? The chief of William Henry will 
give as a great chief should for such a service. The medal ^ of 
Magua will no longer be of tin, but of beaten gold; dollars 
will be as plenty in his pouch as pebbles on the shore of Hor- 
ican. As for myself, I know not how to exceed the gratitude 
of the Scotchman, but I — yes, I will ” 

‘‘What will the young chief, who comes from toward the 
sun, give ? ” demanded the Huron, observing that Heyward 
hesitated. 

“ He will make the fire-water flow before the wigwam of 
Magua until the heart of the Indian shall be lighter than the 
feathers of the humming-bird.” 

“ Enough: Le Eenard is a wise chief, and what he does will 
be seen. Go and keep the mouth shut. When Magua speaks, 
it will be the time to answer.” 

1 It has long been a practice with the are worn in place of their own rude orna- 
whites to conciliate the important men of ments.— AwiAor’a Note. 
the Indians by presenting medals, which 


64 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANvS. 


Heyward, perceiving that the eyes of his companion were 
fastened on the rest of the band, fell back immediately ; in 
order to avoid the appearance of any suspicious confederacy 
with their leader. Magua then signed to him to help the sis- 
ters into their saddles. The mare of David had been taken 
with the followers of the large chief; in consequence its owner, 
as well as Duncan, was compelled to journey on foot. When 
all were prepared, Magua made the signal to proceed, ad- 
vancing in front to lead the party in person. Next followed 
David. The sisters rode in his rear, with Heyward at their 
side, while the Indians brought up the close of the march. 

Cora alone remembered the parting injunctions of the scout, 
and, whenever an opportunity offered, she stretched forth her 
arm to bend aside the twigs that met her hands. But the vig- 
ilance of the Indians rendered this act of precaution both 
difficult and dangerous. She was often defeated in her pur- 
pose by encountering their watchful eyes, when it became nec- 
essary to feign an alarm she did not feel, and occupy the limb 
by some gesture of feminine apprehension. 

Magua seldom turned to look at his followers, and he 
never spoke. With the sun for his only guide, or aided by 
such blind marks as are known only to the sagacity of the 
native, he held his way with the accuracy of instinct, and 
nearly with the directness of a bird. He never seemed to 
hesitate. Whenever the eyes of the travelers rose from the 
decayed leaves over which they trod, his dark form was to be 
seen glancing among the stems of the trees in front, his head 
in a forward position, with the light plume on his crest flut- 
tering in a current of air made solely by the swiftness of his 
own motion. 

But all this diligence and speed were not without an object. 
After crossing a low vale, through which wound a gushing 
brook, he suddenly ascended a hill, go steep that the sisters 
were compelled to alight in order to follow. When the sum- 
mit was gained, they found themselves on a level spot, but 


LE RENAKD’S proposal. 


66 


thinly covered with trees, under one of which Magua had 
thrown his dark form, as if willing and ready to seek that rest 
which was so much needed by the whole party. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

LE REKARD^S PROPOSAL. 

XOTWITHSTAI^DIH-G the swiftness of their flight, one of the 
Indians had found an opportunity to kill a straggling fawn 
with an arrow, and had borne the more preferable fragments of 
the victim, patiently on his shoulders, to the stopping-place. 
Without any cookery, he was immediately employed, in com- 
mon with his fellows, in gorging himself with this sustenance. 
Magua alone sat apart, without participating in the revolting 
meal, and apparently buried in the deepest thought. 

This abstinence, so remarkable in an Indian, when he pos- 
sessed the means of satisfying hunger, at length attracted the 
notice of Heyward. The young man willingly believed that 
the Huron deliberated on the most eligible manner of eluding 
the vigilance of his associates. With a view to assist his plans 
by any suggestion of his own, and to strengthen the tempta- 
tion, he straggled, as if without an object, to the spot where 
Le Renard was seated. 

“Go,” said the Huron, “go to the dark-haired daughter, 
and say, Magua waits to speak. The father will remember 
what the child promises.” 

Duncan, who interpreted this speech to express a wish for 
some additional pledge that the promised gifts should not be 
withheld, slowly repaired to the place where the sisters were 
now resting from their fatigue, to communicate its purport to 
Cora. 

“You understand the nature of an Indian’s wishes,” he 
concluded, as he led her toward the place where she was ex- 
pected, “and must be prodigal of your offers df powder and 
5 


66 THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 

blankets. Remember that on your presence of mind and 
ingenuity even your life, as well as that of Alice, may in 
some measure depend. But hush! we approach the 
Indian. Magua, the lady with whom you wish to speak is 
here.” 

The Indian rose slowly from his seat, and then signed with 
his hand for Heyward to retire, saying, coldly : 

“When the Huron talks to the women, his tribe shut their 
ears.” 

Cora waited until Duncan had departed, and then turning 
to the native, with the dignity of her sex in her voice and 
manner, she said, “ What would Le Renard say to the daughter 
of Munro ? ” 

“ Listen,” said the Indian: “ Magua was born a chief and a 
warrior among the red Hurons of the lakes. His Canada 
fathers came into the woods, and taught him to drink the fire- 
water, and he became a rascal. The Hurons drove him from 
the graves of his people, as they would chase the hunted 
buffalo. The chief, who was born a Huron, was at last a war- 
rior among the Mohawks! When his English and French 
fathers dug up the hatchet,^ Le Renard struck the war-post of 
the Mohawks, and went out against his own nation. The 
pale-faces have driven the red-skins from their hunting- 
grounds, and now, when they fight, a white man leads the 
way. The old chief at Horican, your father, was the great 
captain of our war-party. He said to the Mohawks do this, 
and do that, and he was minded. He made a law, that if an 
Indian swallowed the fire-water, and came into the cloth wig- 
wams of his warriors, it should not be forgotten. Magua 
foolishly opened his mouth, and the hot liquor led him into 
the cabin of Munro. What did the gray-head ? Let his daugh- 
ter say.” 


» It was the custom of the Indians to about to go to war ; hence the phrase 
bury the tomahawk or hatchet when they “ burying the hatchet ” came to mean put- 
jnade peace, and to dig it up again when ting an end to quarrels or disputes. 


LE RENARD’S proposal. 


67 


He forgot not his words, and did justice, by punishing the 
offender,” said the undaunted daughter. 

“Justice!” repeated the Indian, casting a glance of the 
most ferocious expression at her countenance; “ is it justice to 
make evil, and then punish for it? Magua was not himself; 
it was the fire-water that spoke and acted for him ! but Munro 
did not believe it. The Huron chief ^ was tied up before all 
the pale-faced warriors, and whipped like a dog.” 

Cora remained silent, for she knew not how to palliate this 
imprudent severity on the part of her father in a manner to 
suit the comprehension of an Indian. 

‘‘See!” continued Magua, tearing aside the slight calico 
that very imperfectly concealed his painted breast ; “ here are 
scars given by knives and bullets — of these a warrior may 
boast before his nation; but the gray-head has left marks on 
the back of the Huron chief that he must hide, like a squaw,"* 
under this painted cloth of the whites.” 

“ Name your intention, Magua,” said Ooi'a. “Is it to lead 
us prisoners to the woods, or do you contemplate some greater 
evil? Is there no reward, no means of softening your 
heart?” 

‘^Listen,” said the Indian again. “ When Magua left his 
people, his wife was given to another chief; he has now made 
friends with the Hurons and will go back to the graves of his 
tribe, on the shores of the great lake. Let the daughter of 
the English chief follow, and live in his wigwam forever.” 

However revolting this proposal was to Cora, she retained 
sufficient self-command to reply: 

“ And what pleasure would Magua find in sharing his cabin 
with a wife he did not love; one who would be of a nation and 
color different from his own ? It would be better to take the 
o-old of Munro, and buy the heart of some Huron maid with 
his gifts.” 

The Indian made no reply for near a minute, but bent 

» meaning Magua himself. Indian woman. 


68 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


his fierce looks on the countenance of Cora. Then he 
answered : 

‘‘When the blows scorched the back of the Huron, he 
would know where to find a woman to feel the smart. The 
daughter of Munro would draw his water, hoe his corn, and 
cook his venison.^ The body of the gray- head would sleep 
among his cannon, but his heart would lie within reach of the 
knife of Le Subtil.” 

“Monster! well dost thou deserve thy treacherous name! ” 
cried Cora. “ None but a fiend could meditate such a ven- 
geance! But thou overratest thy power! You shall find it is, 
in truth, the heart of Munro you hold, and that it will defy 
your utmost malice! ” 

The Indian answered this bold defiance by a ghastly smile, 
while he motioned her away, as if to close the conference for- 
ever. Cora was obliged to comply; for Magua instantly left 
the spot, and approached his gluttonous comrades. When he 
reached the cluster of lolling savages, who lay stretched on 
the earth, he commenced speaking with the dignity of an 
Indian chief. At first his language appeared calm and delib- 
erative. He recited the events on the island, the death of 
their brave warriors; he spoke of the wives and children of 
the slain, their destitution, their misery, and their unavenged 
wrongs. Then suddenly lifting his voice to a pitch of terrific 
energy, he concluded by demanding: 

“ Are the Hurons dogs to bear this ? What shall be said to 
the old men when they ask us for scalps, and we have not a 
hair from a white-head to give them ? The women will point 
their fingers at us. There is a dark spot on the names of the 
Hurons, and it must be hid in blood ! ” 

His voice was no longer audible in the burst of rage which 
now broke into the air. The whole band sprung upon their 


1 Among the Indians the men did noth- warns, cutting wood for fuel, sowing corn, 
ing but hunting and fighting, all the other carrying burdens, etc,, being done by the 
work, such as building their huts or wig- women. 


LE BENARD’s proposal. 


69 


feet as one man and rushed upon the prisoners in a body with 
drawn knives and uplifted tomahawks. Heyward threw him- 
self between the sisters and the foremost, whom he grappled 
with a desperate strength that for a moment checked his vio- 
lence. This gave Magua time to interpose, and, with a rapid 
enunciation and animated gesture, he drew the attention of 
the band again to himself. In that language he knew so well 
how to assume, he diverted his comrades from their instant 
purpose and invited them to prolong the misery of their vic- 
tims. His proposal w^as received with acclamations, and exe- 
cuted with the swiftness of thought. Two powerful warriors 
cast themselves on Heyward, another securing the less active 
singing-master. Neither of the captives, however, submitted 
without a desperate struggle. Even David hurled his assail- 
ant to the earth, nor was Heyward secured until the Indians 
directed their united force to that object. He was then 
bound and fastened to the body of a sapling, while on his 
right Cora was placed in a durance similar to his own, and 
on his left, the withes which bound her to a pine, performed 
that office for Alice which her trembling limbs refused, and 
alone kept her fragile form from sinking. Magua now ap- 
proached Cora, and pointed out, with the most malign expres- 
sion of countenance, the speedy fate that waited her. 

“Ha!” he added, “what says the daughter of Munro? 
Her head is too good to find a pillow in the wigwam of Le 
Renard; will she like it better when it rolls about this hill a 
plaything for the wolves? Say; shall I send the yellow-hair 
to her father, and will you follow Magua to the great lakes, to 
carry his water, and feed him with corn? ” 

Cora beckoned him away, with a motion of disgust she 
could not control. 

“What says he, dearest Cora?” asked the trembling voice 
of Alice. “ Did he speak of sending me to our father ? ” 

For many moments the elder sister looked upon the younger, 
with a countenance that wavered with contending emotions. 


70 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


At length she spoke in an expression of tenderness that seemed 
maternal. 

“Alice,” she said, “the Huron ofiers us both life — nay, 
more than both; he offers to restore Duncan, as well as you, to 
our friends — to our father — if I will bow down this rebellious, 
stubborn pride of mine, and consent to follow him to the 
wilderness; go to the habitation of the Hurons; in short, to 
become his wife! Speak, then, Alice; child of my affections! 
sister of my love! Is life to be purchased by such a sacrifice ? 
Will you, Alice, receive it at my hands at such a price ? ” 

“ Ho, no, no; better that we die as we have lived, together! ” 

“ Then die! ” shouted Magua, hurling his tomahawk at the 
speaker, and gnashing his teeth with rage. 

The ax cleaved the air in front of Heyward, and, cutting 
some of the fiowing ringlets of Alice, quivered in the tree 
above her head. The sight maddened Duncan to desperation. 
Collecting all his energies in one effort, he snapped the twigs 
which bound him, and rushed upon another savage, who was 
preparing to repeat the blow. They encountered, grappled, 
and fell to the earth together. The naked body of his antag- 
onist afforded Heyward no means of holding his adversary, 
who glided from his grasp, and rose again with one knee on 
his chest, pressing him down with the weight of a giant. 
Duncan already saw the knife gleaming in the air, when a 
whistling sound swept past him, and was rather accompanied, 
than followed, by the sharp crack of a rifie. He felt his breast 
relieved from the load it had endured; he saw the savage 
expression of his adversary’s countenance change to a look of 
vacant wildness, when the Indian fell dead on the faded leaves 
by his side. 

CHAPTEE XVIL 

THE KESCUE. 

The Hurons stood aghast at this sudden visitation of death 
on one of their band, and the name of “La Longue Cara- 


THE RESCUE. 


71 


bine ” burst simultaneously from every lip. The cry was 
accompanied by a shout from a little thicket, where the incau- 
tious party had piled their arms; and, at the next moment, 
Hawkeye, too eager to load the rifle he had regained, was seen 
advancing upon them, brandishing the weapon, and cutting 
the air with powerful sweeps. Eapid as was the progress of 
the scout, it was exceeded by that of a vigorous form, which 
bounded past him into the center of the Hurons, where it 
stood, whirling a tomahawk and flourishing a knife in front of 
Cora. Quicker than the thoughts could follow these move- 
ments, an image, armed in the panoply of death, glided before 
their eyes, and assumed a threatening attitude at the other’s 
side. The savage tormentors recoiled before these warlike 
intruders, and uttered, as they appeared in quick succession, 
the well-known and dreaded appellations of — 

Le Oerf Agile! * Le Gros Serpent! ” 

But the leader of the Hurons was not so easily disconcerted. 
Casting his eyes around, he comprehended the nature of the 
assault at a glance, and encouraging his followers, he un- 
sheathed his long knife, and rushed upon Chingachgook. It 
was the signal for a general combat. Tineas, leaping on an 
enemy, with a single blow of his tomahawk, cleft him to the 
brain. Heyward tore the weapon of Magna from the sap- 
ling and rushed eagerly toward the fray. As the combatants 
were now equal in number, each singled an opponent from the 
adverse band. Hawkeye soon got another enemy within reach 
of liis arm, and with one sweep of his weapon beat down his 
antagonist, crushing him to the earth with the blow. Hey- 
ward ventured to hurl the tomahawk he had seized, too ardent 
to await the moment of closing. It struck the Indian on the 
forehead, and checked for an instant his onward rush. En- 
couraged by this advantage, he sprung upon his enemy with 
naked hands. He immediately found himself fully engaged, 

* French for The Swift Deer, another 2 French for The Great Serpent, another 
name for Uncas. name for Chingachgook. 


72 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


with all his activity and courage, in endeavoring to ward the 
desperate thrusts made with the knife of the Huron. Unable 
longer to foil an enemy so alert and vigilant, he threw his 
arms about him, and succeeded in pinning the limbs of the 
other to his side with an iron grasp, but one that was far 
too exhausting to himself to continue long. At the next 
moment the breech of Hawkeye’s rifle fell on the head of 
his adversary, whose muscles appeared to wither under the 
shock, as he sunk from the arms of Duncan flexible and 
motionless. 

When Uncas had brained his first antagonist, he turned, 
like a hungry lion, to seek another. The fifth and only Huron 
disengaged at the first onset had paused a moment, and then 
seeing that all around him were employed in the deadly strife, 
he sprang forward toward the defenseless Cora, sending his 
keen ax as the dreadful precursor of his approach. The 
tomahawk grazed her shoulder; and, cutting the withes 
which bound her to the tree, left the maiden at liberty to fiy. 
She eluded the grasp of the savage, and threw herself on the 
bosom of Alice, striving, with convulsed fingers, to tear asunder 
the twigs which confined her sister. But the Huron, seizing 
her by the rich tresses which fell about her form, tore her from 
her frantic hold, and bowed her down with brutal violence to 
her knees. The savage drew the flowing curls through his 
hand, and, raising them on high, he passed the knife around 
the head of his victim with an exulting laugh. But just then 
the sight caught the eye of Uncas. For an instant he ap- 
peared darting through the air, and descending in a ball, he 
fell on the chest of his enemy. They arose together, fought, 
and bled, each in his turn. But the conflict was soon decided; 
the tomahawk of Heyward and the rifle of Hawkeye descended 
on the skull of the Huron, at the same moment that the knife 
of Uncas reached his heart. 

The battle was now terminated with the exception of the 
struggle between Le Renard Subtil and Le Gros Serpent. 


THE RESCUE. 


73 


Well did these barbarous warriors prove that they deserved 
those significant names which had been bestowed for deeds 
in former wars. When they engaged, some little time was 
lost in eluding the quick and vigorous thrust which had 
been aimed at their lives. Suddenly darting on each other, 
they closed, and came to the earth, twisted together like twin- 
ing serpents, in pliant and subtle folds. At the moment when 
the victors found themselves unoccupied, the spot where these 
desperate combatants lay could be distinguished only by a 
cloud of dust and leaves which moved from the center of the 
little plain toward its boundary, as if raised by the passage 
of a whirlwind. Heyward and his companions rushed to the 
place, encircling the little canopy of dust which hung above 
the warriors. In vain did Uncas dart around the cloud, with 
a wish to strike his knife into the heart of his father’s foe; 
the threatening rifle of Hawkeye was raised and suspended in 
vain, while Duncan endeavored to seize the limbs of the 
Huron with hands that appeared to have lost their power. 
Covered, as they were, with dust and blood, the swift evolu- 
tions of the combatants seemed to incorporate their bodies 
into one. In this manner, the scene of the combat was re- 
moved from the center of the little plain to its verge. The 
Mohican now found an opportunity to make a powerful thrust 
with his knife; Magua suddenly relinquished his grasp, and 
fell backward without motion, and seemingly without life. 
His adversary leaped on his feet, making the arches of the 
forest ring with the sounds of triumph. 

“Well done for the Delawares! victory to the Mohican!” 
cried Hawkeye, elevating the butt of the long and fatal rifle. 
But, at the moment when the weapon was in the act of de- 
scending, the subtle Huron rolled swiftly from beneath the 
danger, over the edge of the precipice, and, falling on his 
feet, was seen leaping into the center of a thicket of low 
bushes, which clung along its sides. The Delawares uttered 
their exclamation of surprise, and were following like hounds 


74 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


in view of a deer, when a cry from the scout recalled them to 
the summit of the hill. 

“ Let him go — let him go; ’tis but one man, and he with- 
out a rifle or bow, many a long mile from his French commer- 
ades; he can do no further mischief, until such time as he, 
and we too, may leave the prints of our moccasins over a long 
reach of sandy plain. See, Uncas,” he added, in Delaware, 
“your father is flaying the scalps already.” 

But Uncas, denying his habits, flew with instinctive deli- 
cacy, accompanied by Heyward, to the assistance of the 
females, and, quickly releasing Alice, placed her in the arms of 
Cora. We shall not attempt to describe the gratitude to the 
Almighty Disposer of events which glowed in the bosoms of 
the sisters, who were thus unexpectedly restored to life and 
to each other. 

“We are saved! we are saved! to return to the arms of our 
dear, dear father, and his heart will not be broken with grief,” 
cried Alice, throwing herself on the bosom of Cora, and sob- 
bing aloud. 

During the display of emotions so natural in their situa- 
tion, Hawkeye approached David, and liberated him from the 
bonds he had, until that moment, endured with the most ex- 
emplary patience. The scout then proceeded to collect and to 
examine into the state of the captured arsenal of the Hurons. 
In this office he was joined by Chingachgook, who found his 
own, as well as the rifle of his son, among the arms. Even 
Heyward and David were furnished with weapons; nor was 
ammunition wanting to render them effectual. The scout 
now announced that the hour had arrived when it was neces- 
sary to move. 

Aided by Duncan and the younger Mohican, the two sisters 
descended the precipitous sides of the hill. At the foot they 
found the horses browsing the herbage of the bushes; and, 
having mounted, they followed the movements of a guide, 
who, in the most deadly straits, had so often proved himself 


AT THE SALT- SPRINGS. 


75 


their friend. The journey was, however, short. Hawkey e, 
leaving the blind path that the Hurons had followed, turned 
short to his right, and, entering a thicket, crossed a babbling 
brook, and halted in a narrow dell, under the shade of a few 
water-elms. 


CHAPTEE XVIII. 

AT THE SALT-SPRINGS. 

The scout and the Indians appeared to be familiar with the 
sequestered place where they now were; for, leaning their 
rifles against the trees, they commenced throwing aside the 
dried leaves and opening the blue clay, out of which a clear 
and sparkling spring of bright, glancing water quickly bub- 
bled. The white man then looked about him, as though 
seeking for some object which was not to be found as readily 
as he expected. 

‘‘Them careless imps, the Mohawks, with their Tuscarora 
and Onondaga brethren,^ have been here slaking their thirst,” 
he muttered, “and the vagabonds have thrown away the 
gourd ! ^ This is the way with benefits when they are bestowed 
on such disremembering hounds! ” 

Uncas silently extended toward him the desired gourd, 
which the spleen of Hawkeye had hitherto prevented him 
from observing, on a branch of an elm. Filling it with water, 
he retired to a short distance, to a place where the ground 
was more firm and dry; here he coolly seated himself, and, 
after taking a long draught, he commenced a strict examina- 
tion of the fragments of food left by the Hurons, which had 
hung in a wallet on his arm. 

“ Thank you, lad! ” he continued, returning the gourd to 
Uncas; “ now we will see how these Hurons lived, when outly- 
ing in ambushments. Look at this! The varlets know the 

* Indian tribes. ' rind or shell, which, when dry, is used for 

8 fruit, such as the pumpkin, with a hard drinking-cups. 


76 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


better pieces of the deer. But everything is raw, for the 
Iroquois are thorough savages. Uncas, take my steel, and 
kindle a fire; ^ a mouthful of a tender broil will give natur’ a 
helping hand, after so long a trail. ’ ’ 

Heyward now assisted the ladies to alight, and placed him- 
self at their side, not unwilling to enjoy a few moments of 
rest, after the bloody scene he had just gone through. While 
the culinary process was in hand, curiosity induced him to 
inquire into the circumstances which had led to their unex- 
pected rescue. 

‘‘ How is it that we see you so soon, my generous friend,” 
he asked, “ and without aid from the garrison of Edward ? ” 
Had we gone to the bend in the river, we might have been 
in time to rake the leaves over your bodies, but too late to 
have saved your scalps,” answered the scout. ‘‘Ho, no; 
instead of throwing away strength and opportunity by crossing 
to the fort, we lay by under the bank of the Hudson, waiting 
to watch the movements of the Hurons.” 

“You were, then, witnesses of all that passed ? ” 

“Hot of all; for Indian sight is too keen to be easily 
cheated, and we kept close.” 

“ You saw our capture ? ” Heyward next demanded. 

“We heard it. An Indian yell is plain language to men 
who have passed their days in the woods. But when you 
landed, we were driven to crawl, like sarpents, beneath the 
leaves; and then we lost sight of you entirely, until we placed 
eyes on you again, trussed to the trees, and ready bound for 
an Indian massacre.” 

“ Our rescue was the deed of Providence. It was nearly a 
miracle that you did not mistake the path, for the Hurons 
divided, and each band had its horses.” 

“Ay! there we were thrown off the scent, and might, 
indeed, have lost the trail, had it not been for Uncas; we took 

* a piece of steel for striking against flint method was common before the invention 
to produce sparks for lighting a fire. This of matches. 


AT THE SALT-SPKINGS, 


77 


the path, however, that led into the wilderness; for we judged 
that the savages would hold that course with their prisoners. 
But when we had followed it without finding a single twig 
broken, as I had advised, my mind misgave me; especially 
as all the footsteps had the prints of moccasins.” 

“ Our captors had the precaution to see us shod like them- 
selves,” said Duncan, raising a foot, and exhibiting the buck- 
skin he wore. 

‘‘Ay! it was judgmatical,^ and like themselves, though we 
were too expert to be thrown from a trail by so common an 
invention.” 

“ To what, then, are we indebted for our safety ? ” 

“ To the judgment of the young Mohican, in matters which 
I should know better than he, but which I can now hardly 
believe to be true, though my own eyes tell me it is so. Tin- 
eas was bold enough to say that the beasts ridden by the gentle 
ones planted the legs of one side on the ground at the same 
time, whicli is contrary to the movements of all trotting four- 
footed animals of my knowledge, except the bear. And yet 
here are horses that always journey in this manner, as my own 
eyes have seen, and as their trail has shown for twenty long 
miles.” 

“ ’Tis the merit of the animal! They come from the shores 
of Narragansett Bay, in the small province of Providence 
Plantations,’^ and are celebrated for their hardihood, and the 
ease of this peculiar movement; though other horses are not 
unfrequently trained to the same.” 

“ It may be — it may be,” said Hawkeye, “ but, go sidling or 
straight. Tineas had seen the movement, and their trail led us 
on to the broken bush. The outer branch, near the prints of 
one of the horses, was bent upward, as a lady breaks a flower 
from its stem, but all the rest were ragged and broken down, 
as if the strong hand of man had been tearing them ! So I 

1 a favorite word of Hawkeye’s, meaning ^ in y^^hat ie now the state of Khode 
judicious, prudent. Island. 


78 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


concluded that the cunning varments had seen the twig bent, 
and had torn the rest to make ns believe a buck had been 
feeling the boughs with his antlers. ’ ’ 

‘‘I do believe your sagacity did not deceive you; for some 
such thing occurred.” 

‘‘ That was easy to see,” added the scout, and a very dif- 
ferent matter it was from a waddling horse ! It then struck 
me the Mingoes would push for this spring, for the knaves 
well knew the virtue of its waters.” 

“ Is it, then, so famous ? ” demanded Heyward. 

“ Few red-skins who travel south and east of the great 
lakes but have heard of its qualities. Will you taste for 
yourself ? ” 

Heyward took the gourd, and, after swallowing a little of 
the water, threw it aside with grimaces of discontent. 

“Ah! you want the flavor that one gets by habit; the time 
was when I liked it as little as yourself; but I have come to 
my taste, and I now crave it as a deer does the licks.' But 
Tineas has made his fire, and it is time we think of eating, for 
our journey is long and all before us.” 

When this necessary, and, happily, grateful duty had been 
performed, each of the foresters stopped and took a long and 
parting draught at that solitary and silent spring around which 
and its sister-fountains, within fifty years, the wealth, beauty, 
and talents of a hemisphere were to assemble in throngs in 
pursuit of health and pleasure. “ Then Hawkeye announced 
his determination to proceed. The sisters resumed their sad- 
dles ; Duncan and David grasped their rifles, and followed 
on their footsteps, the scout leading the advance, and the 
Mohicans bringing up the rear. The whole party moved 


1 Many of tlie animals of the American earth in order to obtain the saline particles, 
forest resort to those spots where salt- — Author's Note. 

springs are found. These are called ^ The scene of the foregoing incidents is 
“licks,” or “salt-licks,” in the language on the spot where the village of Ballston 
of the country, from the circumstance that now stands, one of the two principal water- 
the quadruped is often obliged to lick the ing-places of Kmericd^.— Author's Note. 


THE BLOCK-HOUSE. 


79 


swiftly through the narrow path toward the north, leaving the 
healing waters to mingle unheeded with the adjacent brook. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

THE BLOCK-HOUSE. 

The route taken by Hawkeye lay across those sandy plains, 
relieved by occasional valleys and swells of land, which had 
been traversed by their party on the morning of the same day 
with the baffled Magua for their guide. The sun had now 
fallen low toward the distant mountains; and, as their journey 
lay through the forest, the heat was no longer oppressive. 
Their progress, in consequence, was proportionate; and before 
twilight gathered about them they had made a good many 
toilsome miles on their return. While the eyes of the sisters 
were endeavoring to catch glimpses through the trees of the 
flood of golden glory which formed a glittering halo around 
the sun, Hawkeye turned suddenly, and, pointing upward 
toward the gorgeous heavens, he spoke : 

“Yonder is the signal given to man to seek his food and 
natural rest; better and wiser would it be, if he could under- 
stand the signs of Xatur’, and take a lesson from the fowls of 
the air, and the beasts of the fields! Our night, however, 
will soon be over, for, with the moon, we must be up and mov- 
ing again. I remember to have fout^ the Maquas, hereaways, 
in the first war in which I ever drew blood from man; and we 
threw up a work of blocks, to keep the ravenous varments 
from handling our scalps. If my marks do not fail me, we 
shall find the place a few rods further to our left.” 

AVithout waiting for any reply, the sturdy hunter moved 
boldly into a dense thicket of young chestnuts, shoving aside 
the branches like a man who expected at each step to discover 
some object he had formerly known. The recollection of the 

1 fought. 


80 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


scout did not deceive him. After penetrating through the 
brush for a few hundred feet, he entered an open space, that 
surrounded a low, green hillock, which was crowned by the 
decayed block-house in question. This rude and neglected 
building was one of those deserted works which, having been 
thrown up on an emergency, had been abandoned with the dis- 
appearance of danger, and was now quietly crumbling in the 
solitude of the forest. The roof of bark had long since 
fallen, but the huge logs of pine, which had been hastily 
thrown together, still preserved their relative positions, though 
one angle of the work had given away and threatened a speedy 
downfall to the remainder of the rustic edifice. Heyward and 
his companion hesitated to approach a building so decayed, 
but Hawkey e and the Indians entered without fear. While 
the former surveyed the ruins, with the curiosity of one whose 
recollections were reviving at each moment, Chingachgook 
related to his son, with the pride of a conqueror, the brief 
history of the skirmish which had been fought, in his youth, 
in that secluded spot. In the meantime the sisters dis- 
mounted, and prepared to enjoy their halt in the coolness of 
the evening, in a security which they believed nothing but the 
beasts of the forest could invade. 

‘‘Would not our resting-place have been more retired, my 
worthy friend,” demanded Duncan, “had we chosen a spot 
less known, and one more rarely visited than this ? ” 

“ Few live who know the block-house was ever raised,” was 
the answer; “ ’tis not often that narratives are written of such 
a scrimmage as was here fout atween the Mohicans and the 
Mohawks, in a war of their own waging. I was then a 
younker, and went out with the Delawares, because I know’d 
they were a wronged race. Forty days and forty nights did 
the imps crave blood around this pile of logs, which I designed 
and partly reared. The Delawares lent themselves to the 
work, and we made it good, ten to twenty, until our numbers 
were nearly equal, and then we sallied out upon the hounds. 


THE BLOCK-HOUSE. 


81 


and not a man of them ever got back to tell the fate of his 
party. But the gentle ones are willing to rest, after all they 
have seen and done this day. Uncas, clear out the spring, 
while your father and I make a cover for their tender heads, 
of those chestnut-shoots, and a bed of grass and leaves.” 

A spring, which many years before had induced the natives 
to select the place for their temporary fortification, was soon 
cleared of leaves, and a fountain gushed from the bed, diffus- 
ing its waters over the verdant hillocks. A corner of the 
building was then roofed to exclude the heavy dew of the 
climate, and shrubs and dried leaves were laid beneath it for 
the sisters to repose on. 

While the woodsmen were employed in this manner, Cora 
and Alice partook of refreshment. They then retired within 
the walls, and first offering thanksgiving for past mercies, and 
petitioning for the Divine favor throughout the coming night, 
‘they laid their tender forms on the fragrant couch, and soon 
sank into slumbers. Duncan had prepared himself to pass 
the night in watchfulness near them, just without the ruin, 
but the scout pointed toward Chingachgook, as he disposed 
his own person on the grass, and said : 

“ The eyes of a white man are too heavy for such a watch 
as this! The Mohican will be our sentinel. Do then, like 
Uncas and myself, sleep and sleep in safety.” 

Heyward perceived, in truth, that the younger Indian had 
thrown his form on the side of the hillock, and that his exam- 
ple had been followed by David. He then posted his back 
against the logs of the block-house, in a half -recumbent pos- 
ture, and soon fell into a deep sleep. How long he lay in this 
state he never knew, but he was awakened by a light tap on 
the shoulder. 

Friend,” said Chingachgook in a low voice, moon comes, 
and white man’s fort far — far off; time to move.” 

“ You say true! call up your friends, and bridle the horses, 
while I prepare my own companions for the march! ” 

6 


82 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


“We are awake, Duncan,” said the soft tones of Alice 
within the building, “ and ready to travel very fast, after so 
refreshing a sleep.” 

“ The Mohicans hear an enemy! ” whispered Hawkeye, who 
by this time was awake and stirring. “ That scampering 
Huron has fallen in with one of Montcalm’s outlying parties 
and they have struck upon our trail. Lead the horses into 
the block-house, Uncas; and, friends, do you follow to the 
same shelter.” 

He was instantly obeyed, the Mohicans leading the Har- 
ragansetts within the ruin, whither the whole party repaired, 
with the most guarded silence. The sounds of approaching 
footsteps were now distinctly audible. They were soon 
mingled with voices calling to each other in an Indian dialect, 
which the hunter, in a whisper, affirmed to Heyward was 
the language of the Hurons. The savages were so near, that 
the least motion in one of the horses would have betrayed the* 
fugitives. But in discovering the character of the mound, 
the attention of the Hurons appeared directed to a different 
object. They spoke together, and the sounds of their voices 
were low and solemn, as if influenced by a reverence that was 
deeply blended with awe. Then they drew warily back, 
keeping their eyes riveted on the ruin, as if they expected to 
see the apparitions of the dead issue from its walls, until 
having reached the boundary of the area, they moved slowly 
into the thicket, and disappeared. 

Hawkeye waited until a signal from the listening Chingach- 
gook assured him that every sound from the retiring party 
was swallowed by the distance, when he motioned to Heyward 
to lead forth the horses, and to assist the sisters into their 
saddles. The instant this was done, they issued through the 
broken gate- way, and, stealing out by a direction opposite to 
the one by which they had entered, they quitted the spot, to 
bury themselves in the gloom of the woods. 


RESTOEED TO THEIR FATHER. 


83 


CHAPTER XX. 

RESTORED TO THEIR FATHER. 

Durihg the rapid movement from the block-house, and 
until the party was deeply buried in the forest, each individ- 
ual was too much interested in the escape to hazard a word, 
even in whispers. The scout resumed his post in the advance, 
but more than once he halted to consult with his confederates, 
the Mohicans. Not a sound arose from the forest, unless it 
was the distant rippling of a water-course. Birds, beasts, and 
men appeared to slumber alike, if, indeed, any of the latter 
were to be found in that wide tract of wilderness. But the 
sounds of the rivulet relieved the guides from embarrassment, 
and toward it they immediately held their way. 

When the banks of the little stream were gained, Hawkeye 
made another halt; and, taking the moccasins from his feet, 
he invited Heyward and Gamut to follow his example. He 
then entered the water, and for near an hour they traveled in 
the bed of the brook, leaving no trail. The moon had already 
sunk into an immense pile of black clouds, when they issued 
from the water-course to rise again to the right and level of the 
sandy but wooded plain. The path soon became more uneven, 
and the travelers could plainly perceive that the mountains 
drew the nigher to them on each hand, and that they were 
about entering one of their gorges. Suddenly, Hawkeye made 
a pause, and, waiting until he was joined by the whole party, 
he spoke in tones so cautious that they added to the solemnity 
of his words: 

It is easy to know the pathways, and to find the licks and 
water-courses of the wilderness, but who that saw this spot 
could say that a mighty army was at rest among yonder silent 
trees and barren mountains ? ” 

‘‘We are, then, at no great distance from William Henry ? ” 
said Heyward, 


84 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


‘‘It is yet a long and weary path, and when and where to 
strike it is now our greatest difficulty. See,” he said, point- 
ing through the trees toward a little basin of water, “here is 
the ‘ bloody pond ’ ; and I am on ground over which I have 
font the enemy, from the rising to the setting sun.” 

“Ha!” exclaimed Duncan, “that sheet of water, then, is 
the sepulcher of the brave men who fell in the contest.” 

“ Three battles did we make with the Dutch -Frenchman * in 
a day,” continued Hawkeye. “ He met us hard h}^ in our 
outward march to ambush his advance, and scattered us, like 
driven deer, through the defile, to the shores of Horican. 
Then we rallied behind our fallen trees, and made head against 
him, under Sir William — who was made Sir William for that 
very deed; and well did we pay him for the disgrace of the 
morning. Hundreds of Frenchmen saw the sun that day for 
the last time; and even their leader, Dieskau himself, fell into 
our hands, so cut and torn with the lead, that he has gone 
back to his own country unfit for further acts in war.” 

“ ’Twas a noble repulse,” exclaimed Heyward. “ The fame 
of it reached us early, in our southern army. You have, then, 
seen much service on this frontier? ” 

“I ! ” said the scout, erecting his tall person with an air of 
military pride; “ there are not many echoes among these hills 
that haven’t rung with the crack of my rifle, nor is there the 
space of a square mile atwixt Horican and the river “ that Kill- 
deer hasn’t dropped a living body on, be it an enemy, or be it 
a brute beast. Hist! see you nothing walking on the shores 
of the pond? By Heaven! there is a human form, and it 
approaches! ” 

“ Qui vive ? ” ® demanded a stern voice, which sounded like 
a challenge from another world, issuing out of that solitary and 
solemn place. 

1 Baron Dieskau, a German, in the ser- William Johnson of Johnstown, New York, 
vice of France. A few years previous to —Author's Note. 
the period of the tale, this officer was de- ^ meaning the Hudson, 
fcated on the shores of Lake George hy Sir s (^pfon. ke v6v) French for who's th&ref 


RESTORED TO THEIR FATHER. 


85 


‘^France! ” cried Heyward, advancing within a few yards of 
the sentinel. 

‘‘Are you an officer of the king?” asked the Frenchman, 
speaking in his native tongue. 

“ Without doubt, comrade,” replied Heyward, speaking also 
in French. “ I have here with me the daughters of the com- 
mandant of the fort. I made them prisoners near the other 
fort, and am conducting them to the general.” 

“ My faith! ladies,” exclaimed the sentinel, “I am grieved 
for you. But you will find our general a brave man, and 
polite to ladies.” 

He then made a low bow, and Heyward adding a “ good 
night, comrade,” they moved deliberately forward. 

“ ’Tis well you understood the knave,” whispered the scout 
when they had gained a little distance from the place, “but 
the French have gathered around the fort in good earnest, and 
we have a delicate needle to thread in passing them. We must 
turn on our trail, and get without the line of their lookouts, 
when we will bend short to the west, and enter the mountains; 
where I can hide you, so that all the devil’s hounds in Mont- 
calm’s pay would be thrown ofi the scent for months to 
come.” 

“ Let it be done, and that instantly.” 

Hawkeye merely uttering the mandate to “follow,” moved 
along the route by which they had just entered their present 
dangerous situation. Their progress was guarded, and with- 
out noise; for none knew at what moment a passing patrol, or 
a crouching picket, of the enemy, might rise upon their path. 
The scout soon deviated from the line of their retreat, and, 
striking off toward the mountains which form the western 
boundary of the plain, he led his followers deep within the 
shadows that were cast from their high summits. At length 
the party began slowly to rise a steep ascent by a path that 
wound among rocks and trees. As they gradually rose from 
the level of the valleys, the thick darkness which usually pre- 


86 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


cedes the approach of day began to disperse, and objects were 
seen in the plain colors with which they had been gifted by 
Nature. When they issued from the stunted woods which 
clung to the barren sides of the mountain, upon a flat and 
mossy rock that formed its summit, they met the morning, as 
it came blushing above the green pines of a hill that lay on 
the opposite side of the valley of the Horican. 

The scout now told the sisters to dismount; and taking the 
bridles from the mouths, and the saddles off the backs of the 
jaded beasts, he turned them loose, to glean a scanty subsis- 
tence among the herbage of that elevated region. 

‘‘ Have we no further need of them ? ” demanded Heyward. 

“ See, and judge with your own eyes,” said the scout, advanc- 
ing toward the eastern brow of the mountain, whither he 
beckoned for the whole party to follow. 

When they reached the verge of the precipice, they saw at 
a glance the camp of Montcalm. The mountain on which 
they stood, elevated, perhaps, a thousand feet in the air, was a 
high cone that rose a little in advance of that range which 
stretches for miles along the western shores of the lake. Im- 
mediately at the feet of the party, the southern shore of the 
Horican swept in a broad semicircle, marking a wide strand 
that soon rose into an uneven and somewhat elevated plain. 
To the north, stretched the limpid sheet of the ‘‘holy lake,” 
indented with numberless bays, and dotted with countless 
islands. At the distance of a few leagues, the bed of the 
waters became lost among mountains, or was wrapped in the 
masses of vapor that came slowly rolling along their bosom. 
But a narrow opening in the crest of the hills pointed out the 
passage by which they found their way still further north, to 
spread their pure and ample sheets again, before pouring out 
their tribute into the distant Champlain. 

Directly on the shore of the lake, and nearer to its western 
than to its eastern margin, lay the extensive earthen ramparts 
and low buildings of William Henry. Two of the sweeping 


I 


EESTORED TO THEIR FATHER. 


87 


bastions * appeared to rest on the water which washed their 
bases, while a deep ditch and extensive morasses guarded its 
other sides and angles. The land had been cleared of wood 
for a reasonable distance around the work. In its front might 
be seen the scattered sentinels, who held a weary watch against 
their numerous foes ; and, within the walls, the travelers looked 
down upon men still drowsy with a night of vigilance. 
Toward the southeast, but in immediate contact with the fort, 
was an intrenched camp, posted on a rocky eminence, in which 
Hawkeye pointed out to Heyward and his companions those 
auxiliary regiments that had so recently left the Hudson in 
their company. But the spectacle which most concerned the 
young soldier was on the western bank of the lake. On a strip 
of land, which appeared too narrow to contain such an army, 
but which, in truth, extended many hundreds of yards from 
the shores of the Horican to the base of the mountain, were 
to be seen the white tents and military engines of an encamp- 
ment of ten thousand men. Batteries were already thrown 
up in their front, and even while the spectators above them 
were looking down on a scene which lay like a map beneath 
their feet, the roar of artillery rose from the valley. 

“Morning is just touching them below,” said the scout, 
“and the watchers have a mind to wake up the sleepers by 
the sound of cannon. We are a few hours too late ! Mont- 
calm has already filled the woods with his accursed Iroquois. 
See! ” continued the scout, directing the attention of Cora to 
the quarters of her own father, “how that shot has made the 
stones fly from the side of the commandant’s house! ” 

“ Heyward, I sicken at the sight of danger that I cannot 
share,” said the undaunted daughter. “Let us go to Mont- 
calm and demand admission; he dare not deny a child the 
boon. ” 

“ You would scarce find the tent of the Frenchman with 
the hair on your head,” said the blunt scout. 

> masses of earth, faced with sods or stones, and projecting from the rampart of a fort. 


88 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


He then waved his hand for them to follow, and threw him- 
self down the steep declivity with free but careful footsteps. 
Heyward assisted the sisters to descend, and in a few minutes 
they were all far down the mountain. The direction taken by 
Hawkeye soon brought the travelers to the level of the plain, 
nearly opposite to a sally-port in the western curtain of the 
fort, which lay itself at the distance of about half a mile from 
the point where he halted to allow Duncan to come up with 
his charge. In their eagerness they had anticipated the fog, 
which was rolling heavily down the lake, and it became neces- 
sary to pause until the mists had wrapped the camp of the 
enemy in their fleecy mantle. The Mohicans profited by the 
delay to steal out of the woods, and to make a survey of sur- 
rounding objects. They were followed at a little distance by 
the scout with a view to obtain some faint knowledge, for him- 
self, of the more immediate localities. In a few moments he 
returned, his face reddened with vexation. 

Here has the cunning Frenchman been posting a picket 
directly in our path,” said he; “ red-skins and whites, and we 
shall be as likely to fall into their midst as to pass them in the 
fog! ” 

To avoid the danger they made a little circuit to the left, 
and were already inclining again toward the right, having, as 
Heyward thought, got over nearly half the distance to the 
friendly works, when his ears were saluted with the fierce 
summons, apparently within twenty feet of them, of 

^‘Qui va la?”^ 

“Push on!” whispered the scout, once more bending to 
the left. 

“Push on! ’’repeated Hey^yard; when the summons was 
renewed by a dozen voices. 

“Let us fire,” said Hawkeye; “they will believe it is a 
sortie and give way.” 

The instant the French heard the pieces, it seemed as if the 

* {pro7i. ke va la) I’rench for who goes there f 


RESTOEED TO THEIR FATHER. 


89 


plain was alive with men, muskets rattling along its whole 
extent, from the shores of the lake to the furthest boundary of 
the woods. Cries, voices calling to each other, and the reports 
of firing were quick and incessant, and, apparently, on every 
side of them. Suddenly, a glare of light fiashed across the 
scene, the fog rolled upward in thick wreaths, several cannon 
belched across the plain, and the roar was thrown back from 
the echoes of the mountain. 

“ ’Tis from the fort! ” exclaimed Hawkeye, ‘^and we, like 
stricken fools, were rushing to the woods, under the very 
knives of the Maquas.” 

The instant their mistake was rectified, the whole party 
retraced the error with the utmost diligence. Men, hot and 
angry in pursuit, were evidently on their footsteps, and each 
instant threatened their capture, if not their destruction. 

“^^o quarter to the knaves!” an eager pursuer cried in 
French. 

Stand firm and be ready, my gallant 60ths! ” * suddenly 
exclaimed a voice above them. Wait to see the enemy; fire 
low, and sweep the glacis.” 

“Father! father!” exclaimed a piercing cry from out the 
mist; “it is I! Alice! Spare, oh! save your daughters! ” 

“ Hold! ” shouted the former speaker, in the awful tones of 
parental agony. “ ’Tis she ! God has restored me my children ! 
Throw open the sally-port; to the field, 60ths, to the field; 
pull not a trigger, lest ye kill my lambs! Drive off these dogs 
of France with your steel.” 

Duncan heard the grating of the rusty hinges, and darting 
to the spot, directed by the sound, he met a long line of dark- 
red warriors, passing quickly toward the glacis. He knew 
them for his own battalion of Royal Americans, and flying to 
their head, soon swept every trace of his pursuers from before 
the works. 

For an instant, Cora and Alice had stood trembling and 

1 meaning the men of the 60th Regiment. 


90 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


bewildered by this unexpected desertion ; but, before either 
had leisure for speech, an officer of gigantic frame, whose 
locks were bleached with years and service, rushed out of the 
body of the mist, folded them to his bosom, while large scald- 
ing tears rolled down his pale and wrinkled cheeks, and ex- 
claimed : 

For this I thank Thee, Lord! Let danger come as it will. 
Thy servant is now prepared! ” 

CHAPTEE XXI. 

THE SCOUT AND THE LETTEE. 

A FEW succeeding days were passed amid the dangers of the 
siege, which was vigorously pressed by a power against whose 
approaches Munro possessed no competent means of resistance. 
It appeared as if Webb, with his army, which lay slumbering 
on the banks of the Hudson, had utterly forgotten the strait 
to which his countrymen were reduced. Montcalm had filled 
the woods with his savages, every yell from whom rang through 
. the British encampment, chilling the hearts of the men who 
were already but too much disposed to magnify the danger. 

It was in the afternoon of the fifth day of the siege that 
Major Heyward profited by a parley that had just been beaten,^ 
by repairing to the ramparts of one end of the water-bas- 
tions, to breathe the cool air from the lake, and to take a sur- 
vey of the progress of the siege. He was alone, if the solitary 
sentinel who paced the mound be excepted; for the artillerists 
had hastened also to profit by the temporary suspension of 
their arduous duties. Two little spotless fiags were abroad, 
the one on a salient angle of the fort, and the other on the 
advanced battery of the besiegers — emblems of the truce which 
existed, not only to the acts, but it would seem also to the 
enmity of the combatants. 

* sound of drum or trumpet as a signal that a parley, or conference, is desired with the enemy. 


THE SCOUT AND THE LETTER. 


91 


Duncan stood contemplating the scene a few minutes, when 
his eyes were directed to the front of the sally-port, already 
mentioned, by the sounds of approaching footsteps. He 
walked to an angle of the bastion, and beheld the scout advanc- 
ing under the custody of a French officer, to the body of the 
fort. The countenance of Hawkeye was haggard and care- 
worn and his air dejected. He was without his favorite weap- 
on, and his arms were even bound behind him with thongs 
made of the skin of a deer. Heyward started with surprise, 
descended from the bastion into the bosom of the work, and, 
moving rapidly across the parade, was quickly in the presence 
of the colonel. Munro was pacing his apartment with a dis- 
turbed air as Duncan entered. 

^‘You have anticipated my wishes. Major Heyward,” he 
said; “ I was about to request this favor.” 

“I am sorry to see, sir, that the messenger I so warmly 
recommended has returned in custody of the French! I hope 
there is no reason to distrust his fidelity.” 

“ The fidelity of ‘ The Long Eifie ’ is well known to me,” 
returned Munro, ‘‘and is above suspicion; though his usual 
good fortune seems, at last, to have failed. Montcalm has got 
him, and with the politeness of his nation, he has sent him in 
with a doleful tale, of ‘ knowing how I valued the fellow, he 
could not think of retaining him.’ ” 

“ But the general * and his succor ” 

“ Did ye look to the south as ye entered, and could ye not 
see them? ” said the old soldier, laughing bitterly. 

“ They are coming, then ? The scout has said as much ? ” 
“ AVhen ? and by what path? for the dunce has omitted to 
tell me this. There is a letter, it would seem, too; and that 
is the only agreeable part of the matter. For if the news 
of the letter were bad, the gentility of this French monsieur 
would certainly compel him to let us know it.” 

“ He keeps the letter, then, while he releases the messenger. 

^ meaning Webb. 


92 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


But wliat says tlie scout ? He lias eyes and ears, and a tongue : 
what report does he make ? ” 

“ Oh! sir, he is free to tell all that he has seen and heard. 
There is a fort of his majesty’s on the banks of the Hudson, 
called Edward, in honor of his gracious highness of York,’ 
you’ll know; and it is well filled with armed men, as such a 
work should be. ’ ’ 

‘‘ But there was no movement, no signs of any intention to 
advance to our relief ? ” 

“There were the morning and evening parades.” Then, 
suddenly changing his bitter manner, he continued: “And 
yet there must be something in that letter which it would be 
well to know! ” 

“Our decision should be speedy,” said Duncan. “I can- 
not conceal from you, sir, that the camp will not be much 
longer tenable : and I am sorry to add that things appear no 
better in the fort — more than half the guns are burst.” 

“Major Heyward,” said Munro, “while there is hope of 
succor, this fortress will I defend, though it be to be done with 
pebbles gathered on the lake-shore. It is a sight of the letter 
that we want, that we may know the intentions of the man 
the Earl of Loudon^ has left among us as his substitute ? ” 

“ And can I be of service in the matter ? ” 

“ Sir, you can. Montcalm has invited me to a personal 
interview between the works and his own camp; in order, as 
he says, to impart some additional information. How, I think, 
it would not be wise to show any undue solicitude to meet him, 
and I would employ you, an officer of rank, as my substitute.” 

Duncan cheerfully assented to supply the place of the vet- 
eran. A long communication succeeded, during which the 
young man received some additional insight into his duty, 
from his commander, and then the former took his leave. 
With a roll and beat of the drum, and covered by a white flag. 


1 Edward, Duke of York, grandson of 2 commander-in-chief of the British 
King George II. forces in America. 


MUNKO SURRENDERS. 


93 


he left the sally-port within ten minutes after his instruc- 
tions were ended. 

The general of the enemy received the youthful messenger 
surrounded by his principal officers and a swarthy band of the 
native chiefs who had followed him to the field with the war- 
riors of their several tribes. The Marquis of Montcalm was, at 
the period of which we write, in the fiower of his age and in 
the zenith of his fortunes. But, even in that enviable situa- 
tion, he was affable, and distinguished as much for his atten- 
tion to the forms of courtesy, as for that chivalrous courage 
which, only two short years afterward, induced him to throw 
away his life on the plains of Abraham.^ 

After a protracted and fruitless interview, Duncan took his 
leave, favorably impressed with an opinion of the courtesy and 
talents of the enemy’s captain, but as ignorant of what he 
came to learn as when he arrived. Montcalm followed him as 
far as the entrance of the marquee, renewing his invitations 
to the commandant of the fort to give him an immediate 
meeting in the open ground between the two armies. There 
they separated, and Duncan returned to the quarters of his 
own commander. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

MUNRO SURRENDERS. 

Major Heyward found Munro attended only by his 
daughters. The quick eyes of Alice soon caught a glimpse of 
his figure reflected from a glass, and she sprang blushing 
from her father’s knee, exclaiming aloud: 

Major Heyward! ” 

“ What of the lad?” demanded her father; “I have sent 
him to crack “ a little with the Frenchman. Ha! sir, you are 
young, and you’re nimble! Away with you, ye baggage; as if 

> at the battle of Quebec. ’ (Scotch) to chat ; to talk. 


94 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


there were not troubles enough for a soldier without having 
his camp filled with such prattling hussies as yourself! ” 

Alice laughingly followed her sister, who instantly led the 
way from the apartment. Munro, instead of demanding the 
result of the young man’s mission, paced the room for a few 
moments with his head inclined toward the fioor, like a man 
lost in thought. At length he raised his eyes and exclaimed : 

“They are a pair of excellent girls, Heyward, and such as 
any one may boast of.” 

“You are not now to learn my opinion of your daughters. 
Colonel Munro.” 

“True, lad, true,” interrupted the impatient old man; 
“ you were about opening your mind more fully on that matter 
the day you got in; but I did not think it becoming in an old 
soldier to be talking of nuptial blessings when the enemies of 
his king were likely to be unbidden guests at the feast ! I 
was wrong, Duncan, and I am now ready to hear what you 
have to say. Your mother was the only child of my bosom 
friend, Duncan: and I’ll just give you a hearing, though all 
the knights of St. Louis ^ were in a body at the sally-port.” 

Heyward, who perceived that his superior took a malicious 
pleasure in exhibiting his contempt for the message of the 
French general, was fain to humor a spleen that he knew 
would be but short-lived; he, therefore, replied with as much 
indifference as he could assume on such a subject: 

“ My request, as you know, sir, went so far as to presume to 
the honor of being your son.” 

‘ ^ Ay, boy, you found words to make yourself very plainly 
comprehended. But, let me ask ye, sir, have you been as 
intelligible to the girl ? ” 

“On my honor, no!” exclaimed Duncan; “there would 
have been an abuse of a confided trust had I taken advantage 
of my situation for such a purpose.” 

“Your notions are those of a gentleman. Major Heyward. 

* the patron saint of France, 


MUNRO SURRENDERS. 


95 


But Cora Munro is a maiden too discreet to need the guar- 
dianship even of a father.” 

‘‘ Cora! I — I — I was not conscious of having mentioned her 
name/’ said Duncan, stammering. 

‘‘ And to marry whom, then, did you wish my consent. 
Major Heyward ? ” demanded the old soldier, erecting himself 
in the dignity of offended feeling. 

You have another, and not less lovely child.” 

Alice! ” exclaimed the father, in astonishment. 

Such was the direction of my wishes, sir.” 

The young man awaited in silence the result of the extraor- 
dinary effect produced by a communication which, as it now 
appeared, was so unexpected. For several minutes Munro 
paced the chamber with rapid strides. At length he said with 
lip that quivered violently: 

“Duncan Heyward, I have loved you for the sake of him 
whose blood is in your veins; I have loved you for your own 
good qualities. But all this love would turn to hatred, were 
I assured that what I so much apprehend is true.” 

“ Cod forbid that any act or thought of mine should lead 
to such a change! ” exclaimed the young man, whose eye never 
quailed under the penetrating look it encountered. Munro 
suffered himself to be appeased by the unaltered countenance 
he met, and, with a voice sensibly softened, he continued : 

“You would be my son, Duncan, and you’re ignorant of 
the history of the man you wish to call your father. Sit ye 
down, young man, and I will open to you the wounds of a 
seared heart in as few words as may he suitable. You know 
already. Major Heyward, that my family was both ancient and 
honorable. I was, may he, such a one as yourself when I 
plighted my faith to Alice Graham, the only child of a neigh- 
boring laird ’ of some estate. But the connection was disa- 
greeable to her father, on more accounts than my poverty. I 
did therefore what an honest man should — restored the maiden 

J Scotch landowner or house-proprietor. 


96 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


to her troth, and departed the country in the service of my 
king. I had seen many regions before duty called me to the 
islands of the West Indies. There it was my lot to form a 
connection with one who became my wife and the mother of 
Cora. She was the daughter of a gentleman of those isles, by 
a lady whose misfortune it was, if you will, to be descended, 
remotely, from that unfortunate class who are so basely 
enslaved to administer to the wants of a luxurious people. 
Ha! Major Heyward, you are yourself born at the south, where 
these unfortunate beings are considered of a race inferior to 
your own.” 

“ ’Tis most unfortunately true, sir,” said Duncan. 

“And you cast it on my child as a reproach ? You scorn 
to mingle the blood of the Heywards with one so degraded ? ” 

“Heaven protect me from a prejudice so unworthy of my 
reason! ” returned Duncan. “ The sweetness, the beauty, the 
witchery of your younger daughter. Colonel Munro, might 
explain my motives without imputing to me this injustice.” 

“ Ye are right, sir,” returned the old man, again changing 
his tones to those of gentleness, or rather softness ; ‘ ^ the girl 
is the image of what her mother was at her years, and before 
she had become acquainted with grief. When death deprived 
me of my wife, I returned to Scotland, enriched by the mar- 
riage; and, would you think it, Duncan? the suffering angel 
had remained in the state of celibacy ^ twenty long years, and 
that for the sake of a man who could forget her ! She did 
more, sir; she overlooked my want of faith, and, all difficul- 
ties being now removed, she took me for her husband.” 

“ And became the mother of Alice ? ” exclaimed Duncan. 

“ She did, indeed,” said the old man. “ But she is a saint 
in heaven, sir. I had her but a single year, a short term of 
happiness for one who had seen her youth fade in hopeless 
pining.” 

There was something so commanding in the distress of the 

1 not being married. 


MUNRO SURRENDERS. 


97 


old man, that Heyward did not dare to venture a syllable of 
consolation. Mnnro sat utterly unconscious of the other’s 
presence, his features exposed and working with the anguish 
of his regrets. At length he arose, and taking a single turn 
across the room, he approached his companion and demanded : 

‘‘ Have you not. Major Heyward, some communication that 
I should hear from the Marquis de Montcalm ? ” 

Duncan stated the result of his interview with the French 
commander, and upon hearing it the colonel exclaimed : 

He wishes to confer with Munro! Faith, sir, I have much 
inclination to indulge the man, if it should only be to let him 
behold the firm countenance we maintain in spite of his num- 
bers and his summons. There might be no bad policy in such 
a stroke, young man. I will meet the Frenchman, and that 
without fear or delay; promptly, sir, as becomes a servant of 
my royal master. Go, Major Heyward, and give them a flour- 
ish of the music; and send out a messenger to let them know 
who is coming. We will follow with a small guard, for such 
respect is due to one who holds the honor of his king in keep- 
ing; and hark’ee, Duncan,” he added, it may be prudent to 
have some aid at hand, in case there should be treachery at the 
bottom of it all.” 

The young man hastened to make the necessary arrange- 
ments, and as soon as the usual ceremonials of a military 
departure were observed, they left the fortress, attended by 
the escort. They had proceeded only a hundred yards from 
the works, when the little array which attended the French 
general at the conference, was seen issuing from the hollow 
way which formed the bed of a brook that ran between the 
batteries of the besiegers and the fort. From the moment 
that Munro left his own works to appear in front of his ene- 
mies, his air had been grand, and his step and countenance 
highly military. The instant he caught a glimpse of the 
white plume that waved in the hat of Montcalm, his eye 
lighted, and age no longer appeared to possess any influence 
7 


98 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, 


over his vast and muscular person. Montcalm moved toward 
them with a quick but graceful step, baring his head to the 
veteran, and dropping his spotless plume nearly to the earth 
in courtesy. Then, as became his superior rank and the 
nature of the interview, the frenchman broke the silence, 
turning to Heyward, who acted as interpreter. 

“ I have solicited this interview from your superior, mon- 
sieur,” he said, ‘‘because he has already done everything that 
is necessary for the honor of his prince, and I believe he will 
now listen to the admonitions of humanity. I will forever 
bear testimony that his resistance has been gallant, and was 
continued as long as there was hope. What is now so freely 
accorded to approved courage may be refused to useless obsti- 
nacy. Monsieur would wish to see my camp, and witness for 
himself our numbers and the impossibility of resisting them 
with success? ” 

“ I know that the king of France is well served,” returned 
the Scotsman, “but my royal master has as many and as 
faithful troops.” 

“ Though not at hand, fortunately for us,” said Montcalm. 
“ These hills afford us every opportunity for reconnoitering 
your works, gentlemen, and I am possibly as well acquainted 
with your weak condition as you can be yourselves.” 

“ Ask the French general if his glasses can reach to the 
Hudson,” said Munro, proudly; “and if he knows when and 
where to expect the army of Webb.” 

“Let General Webb he his own interpreter,” returned 
Montcalm, suddenly extending an open letter toward Munro, 
as he spoke; “you will there learn, monsieur, that his move- 
ments are not likely to prove embarrassing to my army.” 

The veteran seized the proffered paper with an eagerness 
that betrayed how important he deemed its contents. As 
his eye passed hastily over the words, his countenance changed 
from its look of military pride to one of deep chagrin; and 
suffering the paper to fall from his hand, his head dropped 


MUNRO SURRENDERS. 


99 


upon his chest, like that of a man whose hopes were withered 
at a single blow. Duncan caught the letter from the ground, 
and read at a glance its cruel purport. Their superior, so far 
from encouraging them to resist, advised a speedy surrender, 
urging as a reason, the impossibility of his sending a single 
man to their rescue. 

‘‘Here is no deception ! ” exclaimed Duncan, “this is the 
signature of Webb, and must be the captured letter.” 

“The man has betrayed me!” Munro bitterly exclaimed; 
“he has brought dishonor where disgrace was never before 
known to dwell, and shame has he heaped heavily on my gray 
hairs. ’ ’ 

“Messieurs,” said Montcalm, advancing toward them a 
step, in generous interest, “you little know me if you believe 
me capable of profiting by this letter to humble brave men. 
Listen to my terms before you leave me.” 

“What says the Frenchman?” demanded the veteran, 
sternly; “ does he make a merit of having captured a scout, 
with a note from head-quarters? ” 

Duncan explained the other’s meaning. 

“Monsieur de Montcalm, we will hear you,” the veteran 
added, more calmly, as Duncan ended. 

“To retain the fort is now impossible,” said his liberal 
enemy. “ It is necessary to the interests of my master that it 
should be destroyed; but, as for yourselves, and your brave 
comrades, there is no privilege dear to a soldier that shall be 
denied.” 

“Our colors ? ” demanded Heyward. 

“ Carry them to England, and show them to your king.” 

“ Our arms ? ” 

“ Keep them; none can use them better.” 

“Our march; the surrender of the place ? ” 

“ Shall all be done in a way most honorable to yourselves.” 

Duncan turned to explain these proposals to his com- 
mander, who was deeply touched by so unexpected generosity. 


100 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


Go^ Duncan/’ he said; “ and arrange it all. I have lived 
to see two things that never did I expect to behold — an Eng- 
lishman afraid to support a friend, and a Frenchman too 
honest to profit by his advantage.” 

So saying, the veteran returned slowly toward the fort. 
Duncan remained to settle the terms of the capitulation. He 
was seen to re-enter the works during the first watches of the 
night, and, immediately^ after a private conference with the 
commandant, to leave them again. It was then openly an- 
nounced that hostilities must cease — Munro having signed a 
treaty, by which the place was to be yielded to the enemy; the 
garrison to retain their arms, their colors, and their baggage, 
and consequently, according to military opinion, their honor. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE MASSACRE OF WILLIAM HENRY. 

The hostile armies which lay in the wilds of Horican passed 
the night of the 9th of August, 1757, much in the manner 
they would have encountered on the fairest field of Europe. 
The first tap of the French drums in the early morning was 
echoed from the bosom of the fort, and presently the valley 
was filled with the strains of martial music. The horns of 
the victors sounded merry and cheerful fiourishes, until the 
last laggard of the camp was at his post. 

Then, that success which was already so well known, was 
officially announced; the band who were selected to guard the 
gates of the fort were detailed, and defiled before their chief; 
the signal of their approach was given, and all the usual prep- 
arations for a change of masters were ordered and executed. 

A very different scene presented itself within the lines of 
the Anglo-American army. As soon as the warning signal 
was given, it exhibited all the signs of a hurried and forced 
departure. The sullen soldiers fell into their places, like 


THE MASSACRE OF WILLIAM HENRY. 


101 


men whose blood had been heated by the past contest, and 
who only desired the opportunity to revenge an indignity 
which was still wounding to their pride. Women and children 
ran from place to place, some bearing the scanty remnants of 
their baggage, and others searching in the ranks for those they 
looked to for protection. Munro appeared among his troops 
firm but dejected. It was evident that the blow had struck 
deep into his heart, though he struggled to sustain his misfor- 
tune with the port of a man. Duncan was touched at the 
quiet exhibition of his grief. He had discharged his own 
duty, and he now pressed to the side of the old man, to know 
in what particular he might serve him. 

My daughters,” was the brief but expressive reply. 

‘‘Good Heavens! are not arrangements already made for 
their convenience ? ” 

“ To-day I am only a soldier. Major Heyward. All that 
you see here claim alike to be my children.” 

Duncan had heard enough. Without losing a moment, he 
flew toward the quarters of Munro in quest of the sisters. He 
found them prepared to depart and surrounded by a weeping 
assemblage of their own sex. Though the cheeks of Cora 
were pale, she had lost none of her firmness; but the eyes of 
Alice were inflamed, and betrayed how long and bitterly she 
had wept. They both received the young man with undis- 
guised pleasure; the former being the first to speak. 

“The fort is lost,” she said, with a melancholy smile; 
“though our good name, I trust, remains.” 

“ ’Tis brighter than ever. But, dear Miss Munro, it is 
time to think less of others, and to make provision for your- 
self. Military usage demands that your father and I should 
for a little while continue with the troops. Then where to 
seek a proper protector for you against the confusion and 
chances of stich a scene ? ” 

“None is necessary,” returned Cora; “who will dare to 
injure the daughter of such a father at a time like this? ” 


102 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


‘‘I would not leave you alone,” continued the youth, ^‘for 
the command of the best regiment in the pay of the king. 
Alice is not gifted with all your firmness, and God only knows 
the terror she might endure.” 

‘‘You may be right,” Cora replied. “Listen; chance has 
already sent us a friend when he is most needed.” 

Duncan on the instant comprehended her meaning. The 
sounds of sacred music caught his ear, and instantly drew 
him to an apartment in an adjacent building, where he found 
David pouring out his pious feelings through the only medium 
in which he ever indulged. Duncan in a few words explained 
his wishes: 

“ It will be your duty to see that none dare to approach the 
ladies with any rude intention. In this task you will be sec- 
onded by the domestics of their household. ’ ’ 

“ Even so.” 

“ It is possible that the Indians and stragglers of the enemy 
may intrude, in which case you will remind them of the terms 
of the capitulation, and threaten to report their conduct to 
Montcalm. A word will suffice.” 

“If not, I have that here which shall,” returned David, 
exhibiting his book. “ Here are words which, uttered, or 
rather thundered, with proper emphasis, shall quiet the most 
unruly temper.” 

By this time the signal of departure had been given, and 
the head of the English column was in motion. The sisters 
started at the sound, and, glancing their eyes around, they 
saw the white uniforms of the French grenadiers, who had 
already taken possession of the gates of the fort. At that 
moment an enormous cloud seemed to pass suddenly above 
their heads, and, looking upward, they discovered that they 
stood beneath the wide folds of the standard of France. 

“ Let us go,” said Cora; “ this is no longer a fit place for 
the children of an English officer.” 

Alice clung to the arm of her sister, and together they left 


THE MASSACRE OP WILLIAM HENRY. 


103 


the parade, accompanied by the moving throng that sur- 
rounded them. As they quitted the fort the French stood to 
their arms, Montcalm having collected his parties so soon as 
his guards had possession of the works. Living masses of the 
English, to the amount in the whole of near three thousand, 
converged to the point of their march, a vista cut through the 
lofty trees, where the road to the Hudson entered the forest. 
Along the borders of the woods hung a dark cloud of savages, 
hovering like vultures, who were only kept from swooping on 
their prey by the presence and restraint of a superior army. 
A few had straggled among the conquered columns, where 
they stalked in sullen discontent: attentive, though, as yet, 
passive, observers of the moving multitude. 

The advance, with Heyward at its head, was slowly disap- 
pearing, when the attention of Cora was drawn to a collection 
of stragglers, by the sounds of contention. A truant provin- 
cial was paying the forfeit of his disobedience, by being plun- 
dered of those very effects which had caused him to desert his 
place in the ranks. The man was of powerful frame, and too 
avaricious to part with his goods without a struggle. Indi- 
viduals from either party interfered; the one side to prevent, 
and the other to aid in the robbery. Voices grew loud and 
angry, and a hundred savages appeared, as it were by magic, 
where a dozen only had been seen a minute before. It was then 
that Cora saw the form of Magua gliding among his country- 
men, and speaking with his fatal and artful eloquence. The 
mass of women and children stopped, and hovered together like 
alarmed and fluttering birds. But the cupidity of the Indian 
was soon gratified, and the different bodies again moved slowly 
onward. 

The savages now fell back, and seemed content to let their 
enemies advance without further molestation. But as the 
female crowd approached them, the gaudy colors of a shawl 
attracted the eyes of a Huron. He advanced to seize it with- 
out the least hesitation. The woman, in terror, wrapped her 


104 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


child in the coveted article, and folded both more closely to 
her bosom. Cora was in the act of speaking, with an intent 
to advise the woman to abandon the trifle, when the savage 
relinquished his hold of the shawl, tore the screaming infant 
from her arms, dashed its head against a rock, and cast the 
quivering remains to her very feet. For an instant the 
mother stood like a statue of despair, and then she raised her 
eyes toward heaven, as if calling on God to curse the perpe- 
trator of the foul deed, when, maddened at his disappoint- 
ment, the shawl having become a prize to another, the Huron 
drove his tomahawk into her own brain. 

At that dangerous moment Magua placed his hands to his 
mouth, and raised the fatal and appalling whoop. The scat- 
tered Indians started at the well-known cry, and directly there 
arose such a yell along the plain, and through the arches of 
the wood, as seldom burst from human lips before. More 
than two thousand raving savages broke from the forest at the 
signal, and threw themselves across the fatal plain. We shall 
not dwell on the revolting horrors that succeeded. Death was 
everywhere, and in his most terrific and disgusting aspects. 
Resistance only served to inflame the murderers, who inflicted 
their furious blows long after their victims were beyond the 
power of their resentment. The flow of blood might he 
likened to the outbreaking of a torrent. 

In such a scene none had leisure to note the fleeting 
moments. It might have been ten minutes that the sisters 
had stood riveted to one spot, horror-stricken, and nearly 
helpless. When the first blow was struck, their screaming 
companions had pressed upon them in a body, rendering flight 
impossible ; and now that fear or death had scattered most if 
not all from around them, they saw no avenue open but such 
as conducted to the tomahawks of their foes. On every side 
arose shrieks, groans, exhortations, and curses. At this mo- 
ment Alice caught a glimpse of her father, moving rapidly 
across the plain in the direction of the French army. He 


THE MASSACRE OF WILLIAM HENRY. 


105 


was proceeding to Montcalm, fearless of every danger, to 
claim the escort for which he had before conditioned. 

‘‘Father — father — we are here!” shrieked Alice, as he 
passed at no great distance, without appearing to heed them. 
“ Come to u«, father, or we die! ” 

The old man appeared to catch the sounds, for he paused 
and listened, but Alice had dropped senseless on the earth, and 
Cora had sunk at her side. Munro shook his head in dis- 
appointment, and proceeded, bent on the high duty of his 
station. 

“Lady,” said Gamut, “it may not be amiss to try the 
potency of music here.” 

Then raising his voice, he poured out a strain so powerful 
as to be heard even amid the din of that bloody field. The 
sounds caught the ears of a distant savage, who fiew raging 
from group to group, like one who hunted for some victim 
worthy of his renown. It was Magua, who uttered a yell of 
pleasure when he beheld his ancient prisoners again at his 
mercy. 

“Come,” he said, laying his hands on the dress of Cora, 
“ the wigwam of the Huron is still open. Is it not better 
than this place ? ” 

“Away!” cried Cora, veiling her eyes from his revolting 
aspect. 

“Magua is a great chief!” returned the exulting savage: 
“ will the dark-hair go to his tribe ? ” 

“Never! strike if thou wilt, and complete thy revenge.” 

He hesitated a moment; and then catching the senseless 
form of Alice in his arms, moved swiftly across the plain 
toward the woods. 

“ Hold! ” shrieked Cora, following wildly on his footsteps; 
“ release the child! Wretch! what is’t you do ? ” 

“Stay — lady — stay,” called Gamut. “The holy charm is 
besfinningr to be felt, and soon shalt thou see this horrid tumult 
stilled.” 


106 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICAHS. 


Perceiving that he was unheeded, the faithful David fol- 
lowed the distracted sister, raising his voice again in sacred 
song, and sweeping the air to the measure, with his long arm. 
In this manner they traversed the plain, through the flying, 
the wounded, and the dead. Cora would have* fallen more 
than once, under the blows of her savage enemies, but for the 
extraordinary being who stalked in her rear, and who now 
appeared to the astonished natives gifted with the protecting 
spirit of madness. 

Magua entered the woods through a low ravine, where he 
quickly found the Narragansetts, which the travelers had 
abandoned so shortly before, waiting his appearance, in custody 
of a savage as flerce as himself. Placing Alice on the same 
animal with Cora, he seized the bridle and commenced his 
route by plunging deeper into the forest. David, perceiving 
that he was alone, threw his long limb across the saddle of the 
beast they had deserted, and made such progress in the pur- 
suit as the difficulties of the path permitted. They soon 
began to ascend; and when they gained the flattened surface 
of the mountain-top, and approached the eastern precipice, 
Cora recognized the spot to which she had once before been 
led under the more friendly auspices of the scout. Here 
Magua suffered them to dismount ; and, notwithstanding their 
long captivity, curiosity induced them to gaze at the sickening 
sight below. 

The cruel work was still unchecked. On every side the cap- 
tured were flying before their relentless persecutors, while the 
armed columns of the French stood fast in an apathy which 
has never been explained, and which has left an immovable 
blot on the otherwise fair escutcheon of their leader. Nor 
was the sword of death stayed until cupidity got the mastery 
of revenge. Then, indeed, the shrieks of the wounded and 
the yells of their murderers grew less frequent, until. Anally, 
the cries of horror were lost to their ear, or were drowned in 
the loud, long, and piercing whoops of the triumphant savages. 


SEAECHING POE HIS CHILDEEN. 


107 


The bloody and inhuman scene, thus rafcher incidentally 
mentioned than described, is conspicuous in the pages of 
colonial history by the merited title of The Massacre of 
William Henry.” 


CHAPTEE XXIV. 

SEAKCHIKG FOE HIS CHILDEEH. 

The third day from the capture of the fort was drawing to 
a close, but the business of the narrative must still detain the 
reader on the shores of the ‘^holy lake.” The blood-stained 
conquerors had departed; and their camp, which had so lately 
rung with the merry rejoicings of a victorious army, lay a 
silent and deserted city of huts. The fortress was a smolder- 
ing ruin, charred rafters, fragments of exploded artillery, and 
rent mason-work covering its earthen mounds in confused 
disorder. 

About an hour before the setting of the sun, the forms of 
five men might have been seen issuing from the narrow vista 
of trees, where the path to the Hudson entered the forest, and 
advancing in the direction of the ruined works. A light fig- 
ure preceded the rest of the party, with the caution and activ- 
ity of a native; indicating, by gestures, to his companions, 
the route he deemed it most prudent to pursue. Xor were 
those in the rear wanting in every caution known to forest 
warfare. One among them, also an Indian, watched the 
margin of the woods, with eyes long accustomed to read the 
smallest signs of danger. The remaining three were white, 
though clad in vestments adapted to their present hazardous 
pursuit — that of hanging on the skirts of a retiring army in 
the wilderness. 

The effects produced by the appalling sights that constantly 
arose in their path to the lake-shore, were as different as the 
characters of the respective individuals. The youth in front 


108 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


threw serious glances at the mangled victims, afraid to exhibit 
his feelings, and yet too inexperienced to quell entirely their 
powerful influence. His red associate passed the groups of 
dead with an eye so calm that nothing but long practice could 
enable him to maintain. One of the white men, whose gi:ay 
locks, blending with a martial air, betrayed a man experienced 
in scenes of war, was not ashamed to groan aloud, whenever a 
spectacle of more than usual horror came under his view. 
The young man at his elbow seemed to suppress his feelings 
in tenderness to his companion. The straggler who brought 
up the rear gazed at the appalling sight with execrations so 
bitter as to denote how much he denounced the crime of his 
enemies. 

The reader will perceive in these characters, the Mohicans 
and their white friend the scout, together with Munro and 
Heyward, It was, in truth, the father in quest of his chil- 
dren, attended by the youth who felt so deep a stake in their 
happiness, and those brave and trusty foresters who had already 
proved their skill and fidelity. 

When Hncas, who moved in front, had reached the center 
of the plain, he raised a cry that drew his companions in a body 
to the spot. The young warrior had halted over a group of 
females who lay in a cluster, a confused mass of dead. Munro 
and Heyward flew toward the festering heap, endeavoring to 
discover vestiges of those they sought. They found instant 
relief in the search, though each was condemned to experience 
the misery of an uncertainty that was hardly less insupportable 
than the most revolting truth. They were standing, silent 
and thoughtful, around the melancholy pile when Hncas 
bounded away from the spot, and in the next instant he was 
seen tearing from a bush, and waving in triumph, a fragment 
of the green riding-veil of Cora. The movement, the exhi- 
bition, and the cry which burst from the lips of the young 
Mohican, instantly drew the whole party about him. 

“ My child! ” said Munro; “ give me my child! ” 


SEAECHING FOE HIS CHILDEEN. 


109 


^‘Uncas will try,” was ttie short and touching answer. 

The simple but meaning assurance was lost on the father, 
who seized the piece of gauze, and crushed it in his hand, 
while his eyes roamed fearfully among the bushes, as if he 
equally dreaded and hoped for the secrets they might reveal. 

“ Here are no dead,” said Heyward; “ the storm seems not 
to have passed this way.” 

That’s manifest; and clearer than the heavens above our 
heads,” returned the scout; “but either she, or they that 
have robbed her, have passed the bush ; for I remember the 
rag she wore to hide a face that all did love to look upon. 
Uncas, you are right; the dark-hair has been here, and she 
has fled, like a frightened fawn, to the wood. Let us search 
for the marks she left; for, to Indian eyes, I sometimes think 
even a humming-bird leaves his trail in the air.” 

The young Mohican darted aAvay at the suggestion, and the 
scout had hardly done speaking, before the former raised a 
cry of success from the margin of the forest. On reaching 
the spot, the anxious party perceived another portion of the 
veil fluttering on the lower branch of a beech. 

“Softly, softly,” said the scout, extending his long rifle in 
front of the eager Heyward. “ The beauty of the trail must 
not be deformed. A step too soon may give us hours of 
trouble. We have them, though; that much is beyond 
denial.” 

“Bless ye, bless ye, worthy man!” exclaimed Munro: 
“ whither, then, have they fled, and where are my babes? ” 

“ The path they have taken depends on many chances. If 
they have gone alone, they are quite as likely to move in a 
circle as straight; and they may be within a dozen miles of 
us; but if the Hurons, or any of the French Indians have laid 
hands on them, ’tis probable they are noAV near the borders of 
the Canadas. Gently, gently, Uncas; you are as impatient as 
a man in the settlements; you forget that light feet leave but 
faint marks! ” 


110 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


‘‘ Hugh! ” exclaimed Chingachgook^ who had been occupied 
in examining an opening that had been evidently made through 
the low underbrush, which skirted the forest; and who now 
stood erect, as he pointed downward, in the attitude and with 
the air of a man who beheld a disgusting serpent. 

“Here is the impression of the footstep of a man,” cried 
Heyward, bending over the spot; “he has trod in the margin 
of this pool. They are captives.” 

“ Better so than left to starve in the wilderness,” returned 
the scout; “and they will leave a wider trail. Stoop to it, 
XJncas, and try what you can make of the moccasin; for moc- 
casin it plainly is, and no shoe.” 

The young Mohican bent over the track, and removing the 
scattered leaves, he examined it with that sort of scrutiny 
that a money-dealer would bestow on a suspected bill. At 
length he arose from his knees, satisfied with the result of the 
examination. 

“Well, boy,” demanded the attentive scout, “what does it 
say ? Can you make anything of the tell-tale ? ” 

“ Le Eenard Subtil! ” 

“ Ha! that rampaging devil again! There never will be an 
end of his loping, till Killdeer has said a word to him.” 

Heyward reluctantly admitted the truth of this intelligence, 
and now expressed rather his hopes than his doubts by saying: 

“ One moccasin is so much like another, it is probable there 
is some mistake.” 

“ One moccasin like another! You may as well say that one 
foot is like another. Look at it. Sagamore : you measured the 
prints more than once, when we hunted the varments from 
Glen’s to the health springs.” 

Chingachgook complied ; and after finishing his short exam- 
ination, he merely pronounced the word : 

“Magua! ” 

“ Ay, ’tis a settled thing; here, then, have passed the dark- 
hair and Magua.” 


SEAECHING FOR HIS CHILDREN. 


Ill 


And not Alice ? ” demanded Heyward. 

‘‘Of her we have not yet seen signs,” returned the scout, 
looking closely around at the trees, the bushes, and the 
ground. “What have we there? Uncas, bring hither the 
thing you see dangling from yonder thorn-bush.” 

When the Indian had complied, the scout received the 
prize, and, holding it on high, he laughed in his silent but 
heartfelt manner. 

“ ’Tis the tooting we’pon of the singer! ” he said. “ Uncas, 
look for the marks of a shoe long enough to uphold six feet two 
of tottering human flesh. I have some hopes of the fellow, 
since he has given up squalling to follow some better trade.” 

“ At least, he has been faithful to his trust,” said Heyward; 
“ and Cora and Alice are not without a friend.” 

“ Yes,” said Hawkeye, dropping his rifle, and leaning on it 
with an air of visible contempt, “he will do their singing! 
Well, boy, any signs of such a foundation ? ” 

“ Here is something like the footstep of one who has worn 
a shoe; can it be that of our friend ? ” 

“ Touch the leaves lightly, or you’ll disconcart the forma- 
tion. That ! that is the print of a foot, but ’tis the dark- 
hair’s.” 

“As we now possess these infallible signs,” said Heyward, 
“let us commence our march. A moment, at such a time, 
will appear an age to the captives.” 

“ It is not the swiftest-leaping deer that gives the longest 
chase,” returned Hawkeye; “we know that the rampaging 
Huron has passed — and the dark-hair — and the singer— but 
where is she of the yellow locks ? Move on, Uncas, and keep 
your eyes on the dried leaves. I will watch the bushes, while 
your father shall run with a low nose to the ground. Move 
on, friends; the sun is getting behind the hills.” 

Before they had proceeded many rods, the Indians stopped, 
and appeared to gaze at some signs on the earth with more 
than their usual keenness. Both father and son spoke quick 


112 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


and loud, now looking at the object of their mutual admira- 
tion, and now regarding each other with pleasure. 

They have found the little foot!” exclaimed the scout, 
moving forward without attending further to his own portion 
of the duty. “ What have we here ? By the truest rifle on 
the frontiers, here have been them one-sided horses again! 
Now all is plain as the north star at midnight. Yes, here 
they have mounted. There the beasts have been bound to a 
sapling in waiting; and yonder runs the broad path away to 
the north in full sweep for the Canadas.” 

“But still there are no signs of Alice — of the younger Miss 
Munro,” said Duncan. 

“Unless the shining bauble Uncas has just lifted from the 
ground should prove one. Pass it this way, lad, that we may 
look at it.” 

Heyward instantly knew it for a trinket that Alice was fond 
of wearing, and which he recollected to have seen, on the fatal 
morning of the massacre, dangling from the fair neck of his 
mistress. He seized the highly prized jewel; and, as he pro- 
claimed the fact, it vanished from the eyes of the wondering 
scout, who in vain looked for it on the ground long after it 
was warmly pressed against the beating heart of Duncan. 

“ Pshaw! ” said the disappointed Hawkeye; “ ’tis a certain 
sign of age when the sight begins to weaken. I should like 
to find the thing, too, if it were only to carry it to the right 
owner, and that would be bringing the two ends of what I 
call a long trail together — for by this time the broad St. Law- 
rence or, perhaps, the Great Lakes themselves are atwixt us.” 

“ So much the more reason why we should not delay our 
march,” returned Heyward; “let us proceed.” 

“Young blood and hot blood, they -say, are much the same 
thing. An Indian never starts on an expedition without 
smoking over his council-fire; and I honor their customs in 
this particular, seeing that they are deliberate and wise. We 
will, therefore, go back and light our fire to-night in the ruins 


SEAKCHING FOR HIS CHILDREN. 


113 


of the old fort, and in the morning we shall be fresh and 
ready to undertake our work like men, and not like babbling 
women or eager boys.” 

Heyward saw, by the manner of the scout, that altercation 
would be useless. Munro had again sunk into that sort 
of apathy which had beset him since his late overwhelming 
misfortunes. The young man took the veteran by the arm, 
and followed in the footsteps of the Indians and the scout, 
who had already begun to retrace the path which conducted 
them to the plain. 

The shades of evening had come to increase the dreariness 
of the place when the party entered the ruins of William 
Henry. The scout and his companions immediately made 
their preparations to pass the night there, but with an ear- 
nestness and sobriety of demeanor that betrayed how much the 
unusual horrors they had just witnessed worked on even their 
practiced feelings. A few fragments of rafters were reared 
against a blackened wall; and when Uncas had covered them 
slightly with brush, the temporary accommodations were 
deemed sufficient. The young Indian pointed toward his rude 
hut when his labor was ended; and Heyward, who understood 
the meaning of the silent gesture, gently urged Munro to 
enter. Leaving the bereaved old man alone with his sorrows, 
Duncan immediately returned into the open air, placing him- 
self at an angle of the works, too much excited to seek the re- 
pose he had recommended to his veteran friend. 

Hawkeye and the Indians lighted their fire and took their 
evening’s repast, a frugal meal of dried bear’s meat. Not 
one of the three appeared to doubt their perfect security, as 
was indicated by the preparations that were soon made to sit 
in council over their future proceedings. After a short pause, 
Chingachgook lighted a pipe whose bowl was curiously carved 
in one of the soft stones of the country, and whose stem was 
a tube of wood, and commenced smoking. When he had 
inhaled enough of the fragrance of the weed, he passed the 


114 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


instrument into the hands of the scout. In this manner the 
pipe had made its rounds three several times, amid the most 
profound silence, before either of the party opened his lips. 
Then the sagamdre, as the oldest and highest in rank, pro- 
posed the subject for deliberation. He was answered by the 
scout; and Chingachgook rejoined, when the other objected 
to his opinions. But the youthful Tineas continued a silent 
listener, until Hawkeye demanded his opinion. 

By the frequency with which the Indians described the 
marks of a forest-trail, it was evident they urged a pursuit by 
land, while the repeated sweep of Hawkeye’s arm toward the 
Horican denoted that he was for a passage across its waters. 
The latter was, to every appearance, fast losing ground, and 
the point was about to be decided against him, when he arose 
to his feet, and suddenly assumed the manner of an Indian, 
and adopted all the arts of native eloquence. Elevating an 
arm, he pointed out the track of the sun, repeating the ges- 
ture for every day that was necessary to accomplish their 
object. Then he delineated a long and painful path, amid 
rocks and water-courses. The age and weakness of Munro 
were indicated by signs too palpable to he mistaken. The 
Mohicans listened gravely, and with countenances that re- 
flected the sentiments of the speaker. Conviction gradually 
wrought its influence, and toward the close of Hawkeye’s 
speech his sentences were accompanied by the customary excla- 
mation of commendation. In short. Tineas and his father 
became converts to his way of thinking. 

The instant the matter in discussion was decided, the debate 
and everything connected with it, except the result, appeared 
to be forgotten. Hawkeye very composedly stretched his tall 
frame before the dying embers, and closed his organs in 
sleep. Chingachgook announced his desire to sleep, by wrap- 
ping his head in his blanket, and stretching his form on the 
naked earth. Tineas, raking the coals in such a manner that 
they should impart their warmth to his father’s feet, sought his 


ON THE LAKE. 


115 


own pillow among the ruins of the place. Heyward soon 
imitated their example ; and, long before the night had turned, 
they who lay in the bosom of the ruined work seemed to 
slumber as heavily as the unconscious multitude whose bones 
were already beginning to bleach on the surrounding plain. 


CHAPTER XXV. 

ON THE LAKE. 

The heavens were still studded with stars, when Hawkeye 
came to rouse the sleepers. Casting aside their cloaks, Munro 
and Heyward were on their feet, while the woodsman was still 
making his low calls, at the entrance of the rude shelter where 
they had passed the night. AVhen they issued from beneath 
its concealment, they found the scout awaiting their appear- 
ance. 

“Come,” he said, turning toward a curtain of the works; 
“ let us get into the ditch on this side, and be regardful to 
step on the stones and fragments of wood as you go.” 

His companions complied, though to two of them the reasons 
of this precaution were yet a mystery. When they were in the 
low cavity that surrounded the earthen fort on three of its 
sides, they found the passage nearly choked by the ruins. 
With care and patience, however, they succeeded in clamber- 
ing after the scout, until they reached the shore of the lake, 
where Uncas had already found one of the Huron canoes. 

“That’s a trail that nothing but a nose can follow,” said 
the satisfied scout, looking back along their difficult way; 
“grass is a treacherous carpet for a fiying party to tread on, 
but wood and stone take no print from a moccasin. Shove in 
the canoe nigher to the land, Uncas. Softly, lad, softly; it 
must not touch the beach, or the knaves will know by what 
road we have left the place.” 

The young man observed the precaution; and the scout. 


116 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


laying a board from the ruins to the canoe, made a sign for 
the two officers to enter. When this was done, everything was 
studiously restored to its former disorder; and then Hawkeye 
succeeded in reaching his little vessel without leaving behind 
him any of those marks which he appeared so much to dread. 

‘‘I have put a trail of water atween us,” said he, ‘‘and 
any of the imps that may be after our scalps, and unless they 
can make friends with the fishes, and hear who has paddled 
across their basin, we shall throw the length of the Horican 
behind us before they have made up their minds which path 
to take.” 

“ With foes in front, and foes in our rear, our Journey is 
like to be one of danger,” said Heyward. 

“Danger!” repeated Hawkeye, “no, not of danger, for 
with vigilant ears and quick eyes we can manage to keep a few 
hours ahead of the knaves.” 

It is possible that Heyward’s estimate of danger differed in 
some degree from that of the scout, for, instead of replying, 
he sat in silence, while the canoe glided over several miles of 
water. Just as the day dawned, they entered the narrows of 
the lake, and stole swiftly and cautiously among their number- 
less little islands. It was by this road that Montcalm had 
retired with his army, and the adventurers knew not but he 
had left some of his Indians in ambush, to protect the rear of 
his forces and collect the stragglers. They therefore ap- 
proached the passage with the customary silence of their 
guarded habits. 

Chingachgook laid aside his paddle, while Tineas and the 
scout urged the light vessel through crooked and intricate 
channels, where every foot that they advanced exposed them 
to the danger of some sudden rising on their progress. The 
lake soon began to expand, and their route lay along a wide 
reach, that was lined by high and rugged mountains. Instead 
of following the western shore, whither their errand led them, 
the wary Mohican inclined his course more toward those hills 


ON THE LAKE. 


117 


behind which Montcalm was known to have led his army into 
the formidable fortress of Ticonderoga. This caution was 
maintained for hours until they had reached a bay, nigh the 
northern termination of the lake. Here the canoe was driven 
upon the beach, and the whole party landed. Hawkeye and 
Heyward ascended an adjacent bluff, where the former, after 
considering the expanse of water beneath him, pointed out to 
the latter a small black object, hovering under a headland, at 
the distance of several miles. 

“Do you see it?” demanded the scout. “How, what 
would you account that spot, were you left alone to find your 
way through this wilderness?” 

“ But for its distance and its magnitude, I should suppose 
it a bird. Can it be a living object ? ” 

“ ’Tis a canoe of good birchen bark, and paddled by fierce 
and crafty Mingoes. These varlets, the moment it is dark, 
will be on our trail, as true as hounds on the scent. We must 
throw them off or our pursuit of Le Eenard Subtil may be 
given up. These lakes are useful at times, especially when 
the game takes the water,” continued the scout, gazing about 
him with a countenance of concern; “ but they give no cover, 
except it be to the fishes. God knows what the country would 
be, if the settlement should ever spread far from the two 
rivers. Both hunting and war would lose their beauty.” 

“ Let us not delay a moment without some good and obvi- 
ous cause.” 

“I little like that smoke which you may see worming up 
along the rock above the canoe,” interrupted the abstracted 
scout. “ My life on it, other eyes than ours see it, and know 
its meaning. Well, words will not mend the matter, and it 
is time that we were doing.” 

Hawkeye moved away from the lookout, and descended, 
musing profoundly, to the shore. He communicated the re- 
sult of his observations to his companions, in Delaware, and 
a short and earnest consultation succeeded. When it ter- 


118 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


minated, the three instantly set about executing their new 
resolutions. 

The canoe was lifted from the water^ and borne on the 
shoulders of the party. They proceeded into the wood, making 
as broad and obvious a trail as possible. They soon reached a 
water-course, which they crossed, and continued onward, until 
they came to an extensive and naked rock. At this point, 
where their footsteps might be expected to be no longer visi- 
ble, they retraced their route to the brook, walking backward 
with the utmost care. They now followed the bed of tlie little 
stream to the lake, into which they immediately launched 
their canoe again. A low point concealed them from the 
headland, and the margin of the lake was fringed for some 
distance with dense and overhanging bushes. Under the 
cover of these natural advantages, they toiled their way, with 
patient industry, until the scout pronounced that he believed 
it would be safe once more to land. 

The halt continued until evening rendered objects indistinct 
and uncertain to the eye. Then they resumed their route, 
and, favored by the darkness, pushed silently and vigorously 
toward the western shore. Although the rugged outline of 
mountain, to which they were steering, presented no distinc- 
tive marks to the eyes of Duncan, the Mohican entered the 
little haven he had selected with the confidence and accuracy 
of an experienced pilot. 

The boat was again borne into the woods, where it was 
carefully concealed under a pile of brush. The adventurers 
assumed their arms and packs, and the scout announced to 
Munro and Heyward that he and the Indians were at last in 
readiness to proceed. 


THE BEAVER POND. 


119 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE BEAVER POND. 

The party had landed on the border of the rugged district 
which separates the tributaries of Champlain from those of 
the Hudson, the Mohawk, and the St. Lawrence. Hawkeye 
and the Mohicans did not hesitate to plunge into its depths, 
with the freedom of men accustomed to its privations and 
difficulties. For many hours the travelers toiled on their 
laborious way, guided by a star, or following the direction of 
some water-course, until the scout called a halt, and, holding 
a short consultation with the Indians, they lighted their fire, 
and made the usual preparations to pass the remainder of the 
night where they were. Imitating the example of their asso- 
ciates, Munro and Duncan slept without fear, if not without 
uneasiness. 

The sun was shedding a strong and clear light in the forest, 
when the travelers resumed their journey. After proceeding 
a few miles, the progress of Hawkeye, who led the advance, 
became more deliberate and watchful. He often stopped to 
examine the trees; nor did he cross a rivulet, without atten- 
tively considering the quantity, the velocity, and the color of 
its waters. Distrusting his own judgment, his appeals to the 
opinions of Chingachgook were frequent and earnest. 

During one of these conferences Uncas sprang up the side 
of a little acclivity, a few rods in ad 7ance, and stood over a 
spot of fresh earth, that looked as though it had been recently 
upturned by the passage of some heavy animal. The eyes of 
the whole party followed the unexpected movement. 

‘^’Tis the trail!” exclaimed the scout, advancing to the 
spot; ‘Hhe lad is quick of sight and keen of wit for his 
years.” 

^^See! ” said Uncas, pointing north and south, at the evi- 


120 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


dent marks of the broad trail on either side of him; ‘^the 
dark-hair has gone towards the frost.” ^ 

Hound never ran on a more beautiful scent,” responded 
the scout; ^‘^we are favored, greatly favored, and can follow 
with high noses. Ay, here are both your waddling beasts ; this 
Huron travels like a white general.” 

By the middle of the afternoon they had passed the Scaroon,® 
and were following the route of the declining sun. After 
descending an eminence to a low bottom, through which a 
swift stream glided, they suddenly came to a place where the 
party of Le Eenard had made a halt. Extinguished brands 
were lying around a spring, the offals of a deer were scattered 
about the place, and the trees bore evident marks of having 
been browsed by the horses. At a little distance, Heyward 
discovered the small bower under which he was fain to believe 
that Cora and Alice had reposed. But while the earth was 
trodden, and the footsteps of both men and beasts were so 
plainly visible around the place, the trail appeared to have 
suddenly ended. 

It was easy to follow the tracks of the Harragansetts, but 
they seemed only to have wandered without guides or any 
other object than the pursuit of food. At length Tineas, who, 
with his father, had endeavored to trace the route of the 
horses, came upon a sign of their presence that was quite 
recent. Before following the clew, he communicated his suc- 
cess to his companions; and, while the latter were consulting 
on the circumstance, the youth reappeared, leading the two 
fillies, with their saddles broken, and the housings soiled, as 
though they had been permitted to run at will for several days. 

^‘What should this prove?” said Duncan, turning pale, 
and glancing his eyes around him, as if he feared the brush 
and leaves were about to give up some horrid secret. 

“ That our march is come to a quick end, and that we are 
in an enemy’s country, ” returned the scout. ‘‘ Had the knave 

^ i.g., the north. 2 or Schroon, a lake northwest of Lake George. See map. 


THE BEAVER POHD. 


121 


been pressed, and the gentle ones wanted horses to keep np 
with the party, he might have taken their scalps; but with- 
out an enemy at his heels, and with such rugged beasts as 
these, he would not hurt a hair of their heads. The horses 
are here, but the Hurons are gone; let us hunt for the path by 
which they departed.” 

Hawkeye and the Mohicans now applied themselves to their 
task in good earnest. A circle of a few hundred feet in cir- 
cumference was drawn, and each of the party took a segment 
for his portion. The examination, however, resulted in no 
discovery. The impressions of footsteps were numerous, but 
they all appeared like those of men who had wandered about 
the spot without any design to quit it. Again the scout and 
his companions made the circuit of the halting-place. Not a 
leaf was left unturned. The sticks were removed, and the 
stones lifted — for Indian cunning was known frequently to 
adopt these objects as covers, laboring with the utmost pa- 
tience and industry, to conceal each footstep as they pro- 
ceeded. Still no discovery was made. At length Uncas, 
whose activity had enabled him to achieve his portion of the 
task the soonest, raked the earth across the turbid little rill 
which ran from the spring, and diverted its course into another 
channel. So soon as the narrow bed below the dam was dry, he 
stooped over it with keen and curious eyes. A cry of exulta- 
tion immediately announced the success of the young warrior. 
The whole party crowded to the spot where Uncas pointed 
out the impression of a moccasin in the moist alluvion. 

“The lad will be an honor to his people,” said Hawkeye, 
regarding the trail with much admiration. “ But that is not 
the footstep of an Indian; the weight is too much on the heel, 
and the toes are squared. Run back, Uncas, and bring me 
the size of the singer’s foot. You will find a beautiful print 
of it just opposite yon rock, agin the hill-side.” 

While the youth was engaged in this commission, the scout 
and Chingachgook were attentively considering the impres- 


122 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


sions. The measurements agreed, and the former unhesi- 
tatingly pronounced that the footstep was that of David, 
who had, evidently, been made to exchange his shoes for 
moccasins. 

‘‘ I can now read the whole of it, as plainly as if I had seen 
the arts of Le Subtil,” he added; “the singer, being a man 
whose gifts lay chiefly in his throat and feet, was made to go 
first, and the others have trod in his steps, imitating their 
formation.” 

“ But,” cried Duncan, “ I see no signs of ” 

“ The gentle ones,” interrupted the scout; “the varlet has 
found a way to carry them, until he supposed he had thrown 
any followers ofl the scent. My life on it, we see their pretty 
little feet again before many rods go by.” 

The whole party now proceeded, following the course of the 
rill, keeping anxious eyes on the regular impressions. The 
water soon flowed into its bed again, but, watching the ground 
on either side, the foresters pursued their way, content with 
knowing that the trail lay beneath. More than half a mile was 
passed, before the rill rippled close around the base of an 
extensive and dry rock. Here they paused to make sure that 
the Hurons had not quitted the water. 

It was fortunate they did so. For the quick and active 
Uncas soon found the impression of a foot on a bunch of 
moss, where it would seem an Indian had inadvertently 
trodden. Pursuing the direction given by this discovery, he 
entered the neighboring thicket, and struck the trail as fresh 
and obvious as it had been before they reached the spring. 
Another shout announced the good fortune of the youth to 
his companions, and at once terminated the search. 

“Ay, it has been planned with Indian judgment,” said the 
scout, when the party was assembled around the place, “and 
would have blinded white eyes.” 

The party resumed its course after making a short halt to 
take a hurried repast. When the meal was ended, the scout 


THE BEAVER POND. 


123 


cast a glance upward at the setting snn, and pushed forward 
with a rapidity which compelled Heyward and the still vigor- 
ous Munro to exert all their muscles to equal. Before an 
hour had elapsed, however, the speed of Hawkeye sensibly 
abated, and he began to turn suspiciously from side to side, as 
if he were conscious of approaching danger. He soon stopped 
and waited for the whole party to come up. 

“I scent the Hurons,” he said, speaking to the Mohicans; 
‘‘yonder is open sky, through the tree-tops, and we are get- 
ting too nigh their encampment. Sagamore, you will take the 
hillside to the right; Tineas will bend along the brook to the 
left, while I will try the trail. If anything should happen 
the call will be three croaks of a crow. I saw one of the birds 
fanning himself in the air, just beyond the dead oak — another 
sign that we are toucliing an encampment.” 

The Indians departed their several ways without reply, while 
Hawkeye cautiously proceeded with the two gentlemen. Hey- 
ward soon pressed to the side of their guide, eager to catch an 
early glimpse of those enemies he had pursued with so much 
toil and anxiety. His companion told him to steal to the 
edge of the wood, which was fringed with a thicket, and wait 
his coming, for he wished to examine certain suspicious signs 
a little on one side. Duncan obeyed, and soon found himself 
in a situation to command a view which he found as extraor- 
dinary as it was novel. 

The trees of many acres had been felled, and the glow of a 
mild summer’s evening had fallen on the clearing, in beautiful 
contrast to the gray light of the forest. A short distance from 
the place where Duncan stood, the stream had seemingly ex- 
panded into a little lake, covering most of the low land, from 
mountain to mountain. The water fell out of this wide 
basin, in a cataract so regular and gentle, that it appeared 
rather to be the work of human hands than fashioned by 
Nature. A hundred earthen dwellings stood on the margin of 
the lake, and even in its water, as though the latter had over- 


124 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


flowed its usual banks. They appeared, however, to be de- 
serted, but in a few minutes Duncan fancied he discovered 
several human forms advancing toward him on all fours, and 
apparently dragging in their train some heavy, and, as he was 
quick to apprehend, some formidable engine. Just then a few 
dark-looking heads gleamed out of the dwellings, and the place 
seemed suddenly alive with beings which glided from cover to 
cover so swiftly as to allow no opportunity of examining their 
humors or pursuits. Alarmed at these suspicious movements, 
he was about to attempt the signal of the crows, when the 
rustling of leaves at hand drew his eyes in another direction. 

The young man started, and recoiled a few paces instinc- 
tively, when he found himself within a hundred yards of a 
stranger Indian. Recovering his recollection on the instant, 
instead of sounding an alarm, which might prove fatal to 
himself, he remained stationary, an attentive observer of the 
other’s motions. An instant of calm observation served to 
assure him that he was undiscovered. The native, like him- 
self, seemed occupied in considering the low dwellings of the 
village, and the stolen movements of its inhabitants. It was 
impossible to discover the expression of his features, through 
the grotesque mask of paint under which they were concealed ; 
though Duncan fancied it was rather melancholy than savage. 
He was still curiously observing the person of his neighbor, 
when the scout stole silently and cautiously to his side. 

“ You see we have reached their settlement or encampment,” 
whispered the young man; “and here is one of the savages 
himself, in a very embarrassing position for our further move- 
ments.” 

Hawkeye started, and dropped his rifle, when, directed by 
the Anger of his companion, the stranger came under his view. 
Then, lowering the dangerous muzzle, he stretched forward 
his long neck, as if to assist a scrutiny that was already in- 
tensely keen. 

“The imp is not a Huron,” he said, “nor of any of the 


THE TENTS OF THE PHILISTINES. 


125 


Canada tribes; and yet you see, by bis clothes, the knave has 
been plundering a white. Do you keep him under your rifle 
while I creep in behind through the bush and take him alive. 
Fire on no account.” 

In the next moment he was concealed by the leaves. Dun- 
can waited several minutes in feverish impatience, before he 
caught another glimpse of the scout. Then he reappeared, 
creeping along the earth, from which his dress was hardly 
distinguishable, directly in the rear of his intended captive. 
Having reached within a few yards of the latter, he arose to 
his feet, silently and slowly. At that instant, several loud 
blows were struck on the water, and Duncan turned his eyes 
just in time to perceive that a hundred dark forms were plung- 
ing in a body into the troubled little sheet. Grasping his rifle, 
his looks were again bent on the Indian near him. Instead of 
taking the alarm, the unconscious savage stretched forward 
his neck, as if he also watched the movements about the 
gloomy lake, with a sort of silly curiosity. In the meantime 
the uplifted hand of Hawkeye was above him. But, without 
any apparent reason, it was withdrawn, and its owner indulged 
in a long though silent fit of merriment. When the peculiar 
and hearty laughter of Hawkeye was ended, instead of grasp- 
ing his victim by the throat, he tapped him lightly on the 
shoulder, and exclaimed aloud : 

How now, friend! Have you a mind to teach the beavers 
to sing ? ” 

Even so,” was the ready answer. ‘‘It would seem that 
the Being that gave them power to improve His gifts so well, 
would not deny them voices to proclaim His praise.” 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE TENTS OF THE PHILISTINES. 

The reader may imagine the surprise of Heyward. His 
lurking Indians were suddenly converted into four-footed 


126 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


beasts; his lake into a beaver-pond; his cataract into a dam, 
constructed by those industrious and ingenious quadrupeds; 
and a suspected enemy into his tried friend, David Gamut, the 
master of psalmody. The presence of the latter created so 
many unexpected hopes relative to the sisters that, without a 
moment’s hesitation, the young man broke out of his ambush 
and sprang forward to join the two principal actors in the 
scene. 

The merriment of Hawkey e was not easily appeased. With- 
out ceremony, and with a rough hand, he twirled the supple 
Gamut around on his heel, and more than once affirmed that 
the Hurons had done themselves great credit in the fashion of 
his costume. Then, seizing the hand of the other, he squeezed 
it with a grip that brought the tears into the eyes of the placid 
David, and wished him joy of his new condition. 

“ You were about opening your throat-practysings among 
the beavers, were ye? ” he said. “ The cunning devils know 
half the trade already, for they beat the time with their tails, 
as you heard just now; and in good time it was too, or Kill- 
deer might have sounded the first note among them. I have 
known greater fools, who could read and write, than an expe- 
rienced old beaver; but, as for squalling, the animals are born 
dumb! What think you of such a song as this ? ” 

David shut his sensitive ears, and even Heyward, apprised 
as he was of the nature of the cry, looked upward in quest of 
the bird, as the cawing of a crow rang in the air about them. 

‘‘ See,” continued the laughing scout, as he pointed toward 
the remainder of the party, who, in obedience to the signal, 
were already approaching; “ this music has its virtues; it brings 
two rifies to my elbow, to say nothing of the knives and toma- 
hawks. But we see that you are safe; now tell us what has 
become of the maidens.” 

“They are captives to the heathen,” said David; “and, 
though troubled in spirit, enjoying safety in the body.” 

“ Both? ” demanded the breathless Heyward, 


THE TENTS OF THE PHILISTINES. 


127 


Even so. Though our wayfaring has been sore and our 
sustenance scanty, we have had little other cause for com- 
plaint, except the violence done our feelings, by being thus 
led in captivity into a- far land.” 

“ Bless ye for these very words! ” exclaimed the trembling 
Munro; ‘‘I shall then receive my babes, spotless and angel- 
like, as I lost them! ” 

‘^Here, friend,” said the scout, I did intend to kindle a 
fire with this tooting-whistle of thine; but as you value the 
thing, take it, and blow your best on it! ” 

Gamut received his pitch-pipe with a strong expression of 
pleasure, and satisfying himself that none of its melody was 
lost, he made a demonstration toward achieving a few stanzas 
of one of the longest effusions in the little volume already 
mentioned. Heyward, however, hastily interrupted his pious 
purpose, by continuing questions concerning the past and 
present condition of his fellow-captives. 

The narrative of David was simple, and the facts hut few. 
Magua had waited on the mountain until a safe moment to 
retire presented itself, when he had descended and taken the 
route along the western side of the Horican, in the direction 
of the Canadas. At night the utmost care had been taken of 
the captives, both to prevent injury from the damps of the 
woods, and to guard against an escape. At the spring, the 
horses were turned loose, as had been seen; and notwithstand- 
ing the remoteness and length of their trail, the artifices al- 
ready named were resorted to, in order to cut off every clew to 
their place of retreat. On their arrival at the encampment of 
his people, Magua, in obedience to a policy seldom departed 
from, separated his prisoners. Cora had been sent to a tribe 
that temporarily occupied an adjacent valley, though David 
was far too ignorant of the customs and history of the natives 
to be able to declare anything satisfactory concerning their 
name or character. He only knew that they had not engaged 
in the late expedition against William Henry; that like the 


128 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


Hurons themselves, they were allies of Montcalm; and that 
they maintained an amicable though watchful intercourse with 
the warlike and savage people whom chance had, for a time, 
brought in such close and disagreeable contact with themselves. 

The Mohicans and the scout listened to his narrative with 
an interest that increased as he proceeded; and it was while 
attempting to explain the pursuits of the community in which 
Cora was detained, that the latter abruptly demanded : 

‘‘Did you see the fashion of their knives? Were they of 
English or French formation?” 

“ My thoughts were bent on no such vanities. They never 
join their voices in praise, and it would seem that they are 
among the profanest of the idolatrous.” 

“ Therein you belie the nature of- an Indian. Even the 
Mingo adores but the true and living God. Although they 
endeavor to make truces with the wicked one — as who would 
not with an enemy he cannot conquer? — they yet look up, 
for favor and assistance, to the Great and Good Spirit only.” 

“It maybe so,” said David; “but I have seen strange 
and fantastic images drawn in their paint, of which their ad- 
miration and care savored of spiritual pride; especially one, 
and that, too, a foul and loathsome object.” 

“ Was it a sarpent ? ” quickly demanded the scout. 

“ Much the same. It was in the likeness of an abject and 
creeping tortoise.” 

“Hugh ! ’ ’ exclaimed both the attentive Mohicans in a breath ; 
while the scout shook his head with the air of one who had 
made an important but by no means a pleasing discovery. 
Then the father spoke in the language of the Delawares, and 
with a calmness and dignity that instantly arrested the atten- 
tion even of those to whom his words were unintelligible. His 
gestures were impressive and at times energetic. Once he 
lifted his arm on high; and as it descended, the action threw 
aside the folds of his light mantle, a finger resting on his 
breast, as if he would enforce his meaning by the attitude. 


THE TENTS OF THE PHILISTINES. 


129 


Duncan’s eyes followed the movement, and he perceived that 
the animal just mentioned* was beautifully though faintly 
worked, in a blue tint, on the swarthy breast of the chief. All 
that he had ever heard of the violent separation of the vast 
tribes of the Delawares rushed across his mind, and he waited 
the proper moment to speak, with a suspense that was ren- 
dered nearly intolerable, by his interest in the stake. His 
wish, however, was anticipated by the scout, who turned from 
his red friend, saying : 

“We have found that which may be good or evil to us, as 
Heaven disposes. The sagamore is of the high blood of the 
Delawares, and is the great chief of the Tortoises !"* That 
some of this stock are among the people of whom the singer 
tells us, is plain by his words; and had he but spent half the 
breath in prudent questions, that he has blown away in mak- 
ing a trumpet of his throat, we might have known how many 
warriors they numbered. It is, altogether, a dangerous path 
we move in; for a friend whose face is turned from you often 
bears a, bloodier mind than the enemy who seeks your scalp.” 

‘‘You then suspect it is a portion of that people among 
whom Cora resides? ” said Duncan. 

The scout nodded his head in assent, though he seemed anx- 
ious to waive the further discussion of a subject that appeared 
painful. • 

“ It would be well,” he added, “ to let this man go in again, 
as usual, and for him to tarry in the lodges, giving notice to 
the gentle ones of our approach, until we call him out by sig- 
nal, to consult. You know the cry of a crow, friend, from 
the whistle of the whip-poor-will?” 

“ ’Tis a pleasing bird,” resumed David, “ and has a soft and 

1 i. e., a tortoise. it would seem that among all those tribes 

2 The importance attached to the tor- the totem or emblem of the Tortoise always 
toise by many tribes of the red men is very held a high x>oBition.— Author's Note. 
marked. It was part of the mythology of The totem was a rude figure or picture of 
the Lenni Lenape, or Delawares, that the bird or beast, used by the Indians as a sym- 
earth rested on the back of a tortoise. And bolic name, or the emblem of a family. 


130 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


melancholy note; though the time is rather quick and ill- 
measured.” 

Well/’ said the scout, “ since you like his whistle, it shall 
be your signal. Eemember, then, when you hear the whip- 
poor-will’s call three times repeated, you are to come into the 
bushes where the bird might be supposed ” 

‘‘ Stop,” interrupted Heyward; “ I will accompany him.” 

‘‘You!” exclaimed the astonished Hawkeye; “are you 
tired of seeing the sun rise and set ? ” 

He regarded the young man a moment in speechless amaze- 
ment. But Duncan waved his hand in sign of his dislike to 
all remonstrance, and then he said : 

“You have the means of disguise; change me, paint me 
too, if you will; in short, alter me to anything — a fool.” 

Perhaps there was something in the proposal that suited the 
scout’s own hardy nature, and that secret love of desperate 
adventure, which had increased with his experience, until 
hazard and danger had become, in some measure, necessary to 
the enjoyment of his existence. Instead of continuing to 
oppose the scheme of Duncan, his humor suddenly altered, 
and he lent himself to its execution. 

“Come,” he said, with a good-humored smile; “the buck 
that will take to the water must be headed, and not followed. 
Cl^ingachgook has as many different paints as the engineer 
officer’s wife, who takes down natur’ on scraps of paper, 
making the mountains look like cocks of rusty hay, and plac- 
ing the blue sky in reach of your hand. The sagamore can 
use them. too. Seat yourself on the log; and, my life on it, 
he can make a natural fool of you, and that well to your 
liking.” 

Duncan complied; and the Mohican, who had been an atten- 
tive listener, readily undertook the office. Long practiced in 
all the subtle arts of his race, he drew with great dexteritj^' and 
quickness, the fantastic shadow that the natives were accus- 
tomed to consider as the evidence of a friendly and jocular 


THE TENTS OF THE PHILISTINES. 


181 


disposition. Every line that could possibly be interpreted into 
a secret inclination for war, was carefully avoided; while, on 
the other hand, he studied those conceits that might be con- 
strued into amity. 

In short, he entirely sacrificed every appearance of the war- 
rior to the masquerade of a buffoon. Such exhibitions were 
not uncommon among the Indians; and, as Duncan was 
already sufficiently disguised in his dress, there certainly did 
exist some reason for believing that, with his knowledge of 
the French, he might pass for a juggler from Ticonderoga, 
straggling among the allied and friendly tribes. 

When he was thought to be sufficiently painted, the scout 
gave him much friendly advice; concerted signals, and ap- 
pointed the place where they should meet, in the event of 
mutual success. Duncan shook his worthy associate warmly 
by the hand, recommended his aged friend to his care, and, 
returning his good wishes, he motioned to David to proceed. 
Hawkeye gazed after the high-spirited young man for several 
moments, in open admiration; then shaking his head doubt- 
ingly, he turned, and led his own division of the party into 
the concealment of the forest. 

The route taken by Duncan and David lay directly across 
the clearing of the beavers and along the margin of their 
pond. After making nearly a semicircle around this pond, 
they diverged from the water-course, and began to ascend to 
the level of a slight elevation in that bottom-land over which 
they journeyed. Within half an hour they gained the margin 
of another opening that bore all the signs of having been also 
made by the beavers, and which those sagacious animals had 
probably been induced by some accident to abandon for the 
more eligible position they now occupied. 

On the opposite side of tlie clearing, and near the point 
where the brook tumbled over some rocks from a still higher 
level, some fifty or sixty lodges, rudely fabricated of logs, 
brush, and earth intermingled, were to be discovered. They 


132 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


were arranged without order, and constructed with very little 
attention to neatness or beauty. So inferior were they in the 
two latter particulars to the village Duncan had just seen, that 
he began to expect a second surprise. This expectation was 
in no degree diminished when, by the doubtful twilight, he 
beheld twenty or thirty forms rising from the cover of the tall 
coarse grass in front of the lodges, and then sinking again 
from the sight, as it were, to burrow in the earth. David, 
observing that his companion lingered, pursued the direction 
of his gaze, and recalled the recollection of Heyward by 
speaking. 

“There is much fruitful soil uncultivated here,” he said. 
“ It is rather joy than labor to the spirit, to lift up the voice in 
praise; but sadly do these boys abuse their gifts. Earely 
have I found any of their age, on whom Nature has so freely 
bestowed the elements of psalmody; and surely there are none 
who neglect them more. Three nights have I now tarried 
here, and three several times have I assembled the urchins to 
join in sacred song; and as often have they responded to my 
efforts with whoopings and bowlings that have chilled my 
soul ! ” 

“ Of whom speak jmu ? ” 

“Of those children of the devil, who waste the precious 
moments in yonder idle antics.” 

David closed his ears against the juvenile pack, whose yell 
just then rang shrilly through the forest; and Duncan, suffer- 
ing his lip to curl, as in mockery of his own superstition, said 
firmly : 

“We will proceed.” 

Without moving the safeguards from his ears, the master of 
song complied, and together they pursued their way toward 
what David was sometimes wont to call “ the tents of the Phi- 
listines.” ^ 

^ enemies of Israel. See 1 Samuel, iv. 


A RACE FOR LIFE. 


183 


OHAPTEE XXVIII. 

A RACE FOR LIFE. 

It is unusual to find an encampment of the natives guarded 
by the presence of armed men. AYell informed of the approach 
of every danger, the Indian rests secure under the knowledge 
of the signs of the forest. But the enemy who by any lucky 
accident eludes the vigilance of the scouts, will seldom meet 
with sentinels nearer home to sound the alarm. 

When Duncan and David, therefore, found themselves in 
the center of the children who played the antics already re- 
ferred to, it was without the least previous intimation of their 
approach. But as soon as they were observed, the whole of 
the juvenile pack raised, by common consent, a shrill and 
warning whoop; and then sank, as it were, by magic, from 
before the sight of their visitors. The young soldier would have 
retreated, but it was too late to appear to hesitate. The cry 
of the children had drawn a dozen warriors to the door of the 
nearest lodge, where they stood clustered in a dark and savage 
group, gravely awaiting the nearer approach of those who had 
unexpectedly come among them. 

David, in some measure familiarized to the scene, led the 
way into this very building. It was the principal edifice of 
the village, being the lodge in which the tribe held its councils 
and public meetings during their temporary residence on the 
borders of the English province. Duncan, imitating Ihe 
example of the deliberate G-amut, drew a bundle of fragrant 
brush from beneath a pile that filled a corner of the hut, and 
seated himself in silence. As soon as their visitor had passed, 
the warriors fell back from the entrance, and arranging them- 
selves about him, seemed to await the moment when it might 
comport with the dignity of the stranger to speak. A fiaring 
torch was burning in the place, and sent its red glare from 
face to face as it waved in the currents of air. Duncan prof- 


134 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICAKS. 


ited by its light to read the probable character of his recep- 
tion in the countenances of his hosts. At length one whose 
hair was beginning to be sprinkled with gray advanced out of 
the gloom of a corner, and spoke. He used the language of 
the Wyandots, or Hurons; his words were, consequently, un- 
intelligible to Heyward, though they seemed to be uttered 
more in courtesy than anger. The latter shook his head, and 
made a gesture indicative of his inability to reply. 

Do none of my brothers speak the French or the Eng- 
lish ? ” he said, in the former language. 

The warrior replied by dryly demanding, in the language of 
the Canadas: 

“ When our Great Father speaks to his people, is it with the 
tongue of a Huron ? ” 

“ He knows no difference in his children, whether the color 
of the skin be red, or black, or white,” returned Duncan, 
evasively; though chiefly is he satisfied with the brave 
Hurons.” 

“In what manner will he speak,” demanded the wary 
chief, “when the runners count to him the scalps which five 
nights ago grew on the heads of the Yengeese ? ” ^ 

“They were his enemies,” said Duncan, shuddering invol- 
untarily; “ and, doubtless, he will say, ‘ It is good — my Hurons 
are very gallant.’ ” 

“ Our Canada father does not think it. Instead of look- 
ing forward to reward his Indians, his eyes are turned back- 
ward. He sees the dead Yengeese,® but no Huron. What can 
this mean ? ’ ’ 

“ A great chief, like him, has more thoughts than tongues. 
He looks to see that no enemies are on his trail. He has bid 
me, who am a man that knows the art of healing, to go to his 
children, the red Hurons of the great lakes, and ask if any 
are sick! ” 

* Indian name for English, and origin of 2 meaning Montcalm, 
the modern word Yankees. s i.e., those massacred at William Henry. 


A RACE FOR LIFE. 


135 


A brief silence succeeded this annunciation of the character 
Duncan had assumed. Every eye was simultaneously bent on 
his person, as if to inquire into the truth or falsehood of the 
declaration, with an intelligence and keenness that caused the 
subject of their scrutiny to tremble for the result. He was, 
however, relieved again by the former speaker. 

“ Do the cunning men of the Canadas paint their skins? ” 
the Huron coldly continued; we have heard them boast that 
their faces were pale. ” ♦ 

‘‘When an Indian chief comes among his white fathers,” 
returned Duncan, “he lays aside his buffalo-robe to carry the 
shirt that is offered him. My brothers have given me paint, 
and I wear it.” 

A low murmur of applause announced that the compliment 
to the tribe was favorably received. The elderly chief made a 
gesture of commendation, which was answered by most of his 
companions, who each threw forth a hand and uttered a brief 
exclamation of pleasure. At this moment a low but fearful 
sound arose from the forest, and was immediately succeeded 
by a high, shrill yell, that was drawn out until it equaled the 
longest and most plaintive howl of the wolf. The sudden 
interruption caused Duncan to start from his seat. At the 
same instant the warriors glided in a body from the lodge, and 
the outer air was filled with loud shouts that nearly drowned 
those awful sounds, which were still ringing beneath the 
arches of the woods. Unable to command himself any longer, 
the youth broke from the place, and presently stood in the 
center of a disorderly throng that included nearly everything 
having life within the limits of the encampment. Though 
astounded at first by the uproar, Heyward was soon enabled to 
find its solution by the scene that followed. 

There yet lingered sufficient light in the heavens to exhibit 
those bright openings among the tree-tops, where different 
paths left the clearings to enter the depths of the wilderness. 
Beneath one of them a line of warriors issued from the 


186 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


woods, and advanced slowly toward the dwellings. One in 
front bore a short pole, on which, as it afterward appeared, 
were suspended several human scalps. The startling sounds 
that Duncan had heard were what the whites have, not inap- 
propriately, called the death-halloo; ” and each repetition of 
the cry was intended to announce to the tribe the fate of an 
enemy. 

When at the distance of a few hundred feet from the lodges, 
the newly arrived party halted. All the warriors of the en- 
campment then drew their knives, and they arranged them- 
selves in two lines, forming a lane from the war-party to the 
lodges. The squaws seized clubs, axes, or whatever weapon 
first offered itself to their hands, and rushed eagerly to act their 
part in the cruel game that was at hand. Even the children 
would not he excluded; hut hoys, little able to wield the 
instruments, tore the tomahawks from the belts of their 
fathers and stole into the ranks, apt imitators of the savage 
traits exhibited by their parents. 

Large piles of brush lay scattered about the clearing, and 
an aged squaw was occupied in firing as many as might serve 
to light the coming exhibition. The warriors just arrived 
were the most distant figures. A little in advance stood two 
men, who were apparently selected from the rest as the prin- 
cipal actors in what was to follow. The light was not strong 
enough to render their features distinct, though it was quite 
evident that they were governed by very different emotions. 
While one stood erect and firm, prepared to meet his fate like 
a hero, the other bowed his head as if palsied by terror or 
stricken with shame. The high-spirited Duncan felt a pow- 
erful impulse of admiration and pity toward the former, 
though no opportunity could offer to exhibit his generous 
emotions. Just then the signal yell was given, and the quiet 
which had preceded it was broken by a burst of cries that far 
exceeded any before heard. The most abject of the two vic- 
tims continued motionless, but the other bounded from the 


A RACE FOR LIFE. 


137 


place with the swiftness of a deer. Instead of rushing through 
the hostile lines, he entered the dangerous defile, and before 
time was given for a single blow, turned short, and, leaping 
the heads of a row of children, he gained at once the exterior 
side of the formidable array. The artifice was answered by a 
hundred voices raised in imprecations, and the whole of the 
excited multitude broke from their order and spread them- 
selves about the place in wild confusion. 

It will easily be understood that, amid such a concourse of 
enemies, no breathing time was allowed the fugitive. . There 
was a single moment when it seemed as if he would have 
reached the forest, but the whole body of his captors threw 
themselves before him and drove him back into the center of 
his relentless persecutors. Turning like a headed deer, he 
shot, with the swiftness of an arrow, through a pillar of forked 
flame, and passing the whole multitude harmless, he appeared 
on the opposite side of the clearing. Here, too, he was met 
and turned by a few of the older and more subtle of the Hu- 
rons. Once more he tried the throng, as if seeking safety in 
its blindness, and then Duncan believed the active and coura- 
geous young stranger was lost, but the next moment he saw 
him quietly leaning against a small painted post which stood 
before the door of the principal lodge. 

Duncan now followed the crowd, which drew nigh the 
lodges, and curiosity induced him to approach the stranger. 
He found him, standing with one arm cast about the post, 
and breathing thick and hard, after his exertions, but disdain- 
ing to permit a single sign of suffering to escape. The next 
moment, the captive, turning his face toward the light, per- 
mitted Duncan to exchange glances with the firm and piercing 
eyes of Uncas. 

Breathless with amazement/ and heavily oppressed with the 
critical situation of his friend, Heyward recoiled before the 
look, trembling lest its meaning might, in some unknown 
manner, hasten the prisoner’s fate. ^ There was not, however. 


138 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


any instant cause for such an apprehension. Just then a 
warrior forced his way into the crowd, took Tineas by the arm, 
and led him toward the door of the council lodge. Thither 
all the chiefs, and most of the warriors, followed; among 
whom Heyward found means to enter without attracting dan- 
gerous attention to himself. 

A few minutes were consumed in disposing of those present 
in a manner suitable to their rank and influence in the tribe. 
In the center of the lodge, under an opening that admitted 
the twinkling light of one or two stars, stood Uncas — calm, 
elevated, and collected. His high and haughty carriage was 
not lost on his captors, who often bent their looks on his per- 
son, with eyes which plainly betrayed their admiration of the 
stranger’s daring. The case was different with the individual 
whom Duncan had observed to stand forth with his friend, 
previously to the desperate trial of speed; and who, instead of 
joining in the chase, had remained, like a cringing statue, 
expressive of shame and disgrace. When each individual had 
taken his proper station, and silence reigned in the place, 
the gray-haired chief already introduced to the reader spoke 
aloud, in the language of the Lenni Lenape : 

“Delaware,” he said, “though one of a nation of women, 
you have proved yourself a man. I woulji give you food; but 
he who eats with a Huron should become his friend. Rest 
in peace till the morning sun, when our last words shall be 
spoken. Two of my young men are in pursuit of your com- 
panion. When they come back our wise men will say to you 
‘ live ’ or ‘ die.’ ” 

“Has a Huron no ears?” scornfully exclaimed Hncas; 
“ twice, since he has been your prisoner, has the Delaware 
heard a gun that he knows. Your young men will never 
come back.” 

A short and sullen pause succeeded this bold assertion. 
Duncan, who understood the Mohican to allude to the fatal 
rifle of the scout, bent forward in earnest observation of the 


A RACE FOR LIFE. 


189 


effect it might produce on the conquerors; hut the chief was 
content with simply retorting: 

‘‘If the Lenape are so skillful, why is one of their bravest 
warriors here ? ” 

“ He followed in the steps of a flying coward, and fell into 
a snare. The cunning beaver may be caught.” 

As Uncas thus replied, he pointed with his finger toward 
the solitary Huron, but without deigning to bestow any other 
notice on so unworthy an object. The words of the answer 
and the air of the speaker produced a strong sensation among 
his auditors. In the meantime the more aged chiefs, in the 
center, communed with each other in short and broken sen- 
tences. Again, a long and deeply solemn pause took place. It 
was known, by all present, to be the grave precursor of an im- 
portant judgment. They who composed the outer circle of 
faces were on tiptoe to gaze ; and even the culprit for an instant 
forgot his shame in a deeper emotion, and exposed his abject 
features in order to cast an anxious and troubled glance at the 
dark assemblage of chiefs. The silence was finally broken by 
the aged warrior so often named. He arose from the earth, 
and moving past the immovable form of Tineas, placed him- 
self in a dignified attitude before the offender. At that 
moment, the withered squaw already mentioned moved into 
the circle, holding the torch, and muttering the indistinct 
words of what might have been a species of incantation. The 
young Huron was in his war-paint, and very little of a finely 
molded form was concealed by his attire. The light rendered 
every limb discernible, and Duncan turned away in horror 
when he saw they were writhing in agony. The woman was 
commencing a low and plaintive howl at the sad and shame- 
ful spectacle, when the chief put forth his hand and gently 
pushed her aside. 

“ Eeed-that-bends, ” he said, addressing the young culprit 
by name, and in his proper language, “ though the Great 
Spirit has made you pleasant to the eyes, it would have been 


140 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


better that you had not been born. Your tongue is loud in 
the village, but in battle it is still. None of my young men 
strike the tomahawk deeper into the war-post — none of them 
so lightly on the Yengeese. The enemy know the shape of 
your back, but they have never seen the color of your eyes. 
Three times have they called on you to come, and as often did 
you forget to answer. Your name will never be mentioned 
again in your tribe — it is already forgotten.” 

As the chief slowly uttered these words, pausing impres- 
sively between each sentence, the culprit raised his face, in 
deference to the other’s rank and years. Shame, horror, and 
pride struggled in its lineaments. His eye, which was con- 
tracted with inward anguish, gleamed on the persons of those 
whose breath was his fame; and the latter emotion for an 
instant predominated. He arose to his feet, and, baring his 
bosom, looked steadily on the keen, glittering knife that was 
already upheld by his judge. As the weapon passed slowly 
into his heart he even smiled, as if in joy at having found 
death less dreadful than he had anticipated, and fell heavily 
on his face, at the feet of the rigid form of IJncas. 

The squaw gave a loud and plaintive yell, dashed the torch 
to the earth, and buried everything in darkness. The whole 
shuddering group of spectators glided from the lodge, like 
'•troubled spirits; and Duncan thought that he and the yet 
throbbing body of the victim of an Indian judgment had now 
become its only tenants. 

CHAPTEE XXIX. 

A GEEAT MEDICINE. 

A SINGLE moment served to convince the youth that he was 
mistaken. A hand was laid, with a powerful pressure, on his 
arm, and the low voice of Uncas muttered in his ears: 

‘‘The Hurons are dogs. The sight of a coward’s blood 


A GREAT MEDICINE. 


141 


can never make a warrior tremble. The Gray Head * and 
the sagamore are safe^ and the rifle of Hawkeye is not asleep. 
Go — Uncas and the Open Hand"^ are now strangers. It is 
enough.” 

Heyward would gladly have heard more, but a gentle push 
from his friend urged him toward the door, and admonished 
him of the danger that might attend the discovery of their 
intercourse. Slowly yielding to the necessity, he quitted the 
lodge, and mingled with the throng that hovered nigh. A 
knot of warriors soon entered the place again, and reissuing, 
they bore the senseless remains into the adjacent woods. After 
this, Duncan wandered among the lodges, unquestioned and 
unnoticed, endeavoring to And some trace of her in whose 
behalf he incurred the risk he ran. Abandoning a species of 
inquiry that proved fruitless, he retraced his steps to the coun- 
cil lodge, resolved to seek and question David, in order to put 
an end to his doubts. On reaching the building, the young 
man found that the warriors had reassembled, and were now 
calmly smoking, while they conversed gravely on the chief 
incidents of their recent expedition to the head of the Horican. 

Heyward walked into the lodge and took his seat with a 
gravity that accorded admirably with the deportment of his 
hosts. A hasty but searching glance sufficed to tell him that, 
though Uncas still remained where he had left him, David 
had not reappeared. He had not long occupied the seat, 
when another of the elder warriors addressed him. 

My Canada father does not forget his children,” said the 
chief, speaking in French; thank him. An evil spirit 
lives in the wife of one of my young men. Can the cunning 
stranger frighten him away ? ” 

Heyward possessed some knowledge of the mummery prac- 
ticed among the Indians in cases of such supposed visitations. 
Aware of the necessity of preserving the dignity of his imag- 
inary character, he answered with suitable mystery : 

1 meaning Munro. ’ meaning Heyward. 


142 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


“Spirits differ; some yield to the power of wisdom, while 
others are too strong.” 

“ My brother is a great medicine,” * said the cunning sav- 
age; “ he will try ? ” 

A gesture of assent was the answer. The Huron was con- 
tent with the assurance, and, resuming his pipe, he awaited 
the proper moment to move. The minutes lingered, and the 
delay had seemed an hour, when the Huron laid aside his ^ 
pipe, and threw his robe across his breast, as if about to lead 
the way to the lodge of the invalid. Just then, a warrior 
of powerful frame darkened the door, and stalking silently 
among the attentive group, he seated himself on one end of 
the low pile of brush which sustained Duncan. The latter 
cast an impatient look at his neighbor, and felt his flesh creep 
with uncontrollable horror when he found himself in actual 
contact with Magua. 

The sudden return of this artful and dreaded chief caused 
a delay in tlie departure of the Huron. Several pipes, that 
had been extinguished, were lighted again; while the new- 
comer, without speaking a word, drew his tomahawk from 
his girdle, and Ailing the bowl on its head, began to inhale the 
vapors of the weed through the hollow handle with as much 
indifference as if he had not been absent two weary days on a 
long and toilsome hunt. Ten minutes might have passed in 
this manner before any of the warriors spoke. 

“ Welcome,” one at length uttered. “ The Delawares have 
been like bears after the honey-pots, prowling around my vil- 
lage. But who has ever found a Huron asleep ? ’ ’ 

The darkness of the impending cloud which precedes a 
burst of thunder, was not blacker than the brow of Magua, 
as he exclaimed : 

“ The Delawares of the lakes! ” 

“Not so. They who wear the petticoats of squaws, on 


1 or medicine-man ; Englisli for terms any person supposed to possess mysterious 
used among the American Indians to denote or supernatural powers. 


AN INTELLIGENT BEAK. 


143 


their own river. One of them has been passing: the 
tribe. ’ ’ 

‘‘Did my young men take his scalp ? ” 

“His legs were good, though his arm is better for the hoe 
than the tomahawk,” returned the other, pointing to the 
immovable form of Tineas. 

Magua arose, casting for the first time a glance in the direc- 
tion of the prisoner, who stood a little behind him, and, heav- 
ing a breath from the very bottom of his chest, he pronounced 
aloud the formidable name of : 

“Le Cerf Agile!” 

Each warrior sprang upon his feet at the utterance of the 
well-known appellation, and there was a short period during 
which the stoical constancy of the natives was completely 
conquered by surprise. Magua, raising his arm, shook it at 
the captive — the light silver ornaments attached to his brace- 
let rattling with the trembling agitation of the limb, as, in a 
tone of vengeance, he exclaimed in English : 

“ Mohican, you die! Go — take him where there is silence; 
let us see if a Delaware can sleep at night, and in the morn- 
ing die.” 

The young men whose duty it was to guard the prisoner, 
instantly passed their ligaments of bark across his arms, and 
led him from the lodge, amid a profound and ominous silence. 


CHAPTER XXX. 

AN INTELLIGENT BEAR. 

When the chief who had solicited the aid of Duncan, fin- 
ished his pipe, he made a movement toward departing. A 
motion of a finger was the intimation he gave the supposed 
physician to follow; and passing through the clouds of smoke, 
Duncan was glad to be able, at last, to breathe the pure air of 
a cool and refreshing summer evening. 


144 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


Instead of pursuing his way among those lodges where 
Heyward had already made his unsuccessful search, his com- 
panion turned aside, and proceeded directly toward the base 
of an adjacent mountain which overhung the temporary vil- 
lage. The hoys had resumed their sports in the clearing, and 
one of the boldest of their number had conveyed a few brands 
into some piles of tree-tops that had hitherto escaped the 
burning. The blaze of one of these fires lighted the way of 
the chief and Duncan, fell upon the white surface of the 
mountain, and was refiected downward upon a dark and mys- 
terious-looking being that arose, unexpectedly, in their path. 

The Indian paused, as if doubtful whether to proceed, and 
permitted his companion to approach his side. A large black 
ball, which at first seemed stationary, now began to move in 
a manner that to the latter was inexplicable. Again the fire 
brightened, and its glare fell more distinctly on the object. 
Then even Duncan knew it, by its restless and sidelong atti- 
tudes, to be a bear. Though it growled loudly and fiercely, it 
gave no other indications of hostility. The Huron seemed 
assured that the intentions of this singular intruder were 
peaceable, for, after giving it an attentive examination, he 
quietly pursued his course. Duncan, who knew that the ani- 
mal was often domesticated among the Indians, followed the 
example of his companion. They passed it unmolested. 
Though obliged to come nearly in contact with the monster, 
the Huron was content with proceeding without wasting a 
moment in further examination ; but Heyward was unable to 
prevent his eyes from looking backward, in salutary watch- 
fulness against attacks in the rear. His uneasiness was in no 
degree diminished when he perceived the beast rolling along 
their path and following their footsteps. He would have 
spoken, but the Indian at that moment shoved aside a door of 
bark, and entered a cavern in the bosom of the mountain. 

Profiting by so easy a method of retreat, Duncan stepped 
after him, and was gladly closing the slight cover to the 


AN INTELLIGENT BEAR 


145 


opening, when he felt it drawn from his hand by the beast, 
whose shaggy form immediately darkened the passage. How 
long the nerves of Heyward would have sustained him in this 
extraordinary situation, it might be difficult to decide; for, 
happily, he soon found relief. A glimmer of light had con- 
stantly been m their front, and they now arrived at the place 
whence it proceeded. 

A large cavity in the rock had been rudely fitted to answer 
the purposes of many apartments. The subdivisions were 
composed of stone, sticks, and bark, intermingled. Openings 
above admitted the light by day, and at night fires and torches 
supplied the place of the sun. Hither the Hurons had brought 
most of their valuables, and hither, as it now appeared, the 
sick woman, who was believed to be the victim of supernatural 
power. The apartment into which Duncan and his guide first 
entered had been exclusively devoted to her accommodation. 
The latter approached her bedside, which was surrounded by 
females, in the center of whom Heyward was surprised to find 
his missing friend, David. A single look was sufficient to 
apprise the pretended leech ^ that the invalid was far beyond 
his power of healing. 

Gamut, who had stood prepared to pour forth his spirit in 
song when the visitors entered, after delaying a moment, drew 
a strain from his pipe and commenced a hymn that might 
have worked a miracle, had faith in its efficacy been of much 
avail. He was allowed to proceed to the close, Duncan too 
glad of the delay to hazard the slightest interruption. As the 
dying cadence of his strains was falling on the ears of the 
latter, he started aside at hearing them repeated behind him, 
in a voice half human and half sepulchral. Looking around, 
he beheld the shaggy monster seated on end in a shadow of 
the cavern, where it repeated, in a low gi’owl, sounds which 
bore a slight resemblance to the melody of the singer. 

The effect of so strange an echo on David may better be 

1 old word for doctor or physician, 


10 


146 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


imagined than described. His eyes opened as if he doubted 
their truth ; and his voice became instantly mute in excess of 
wonder. A deep-laid scheme of communicating some impor- 
tant intelligence to Heyward was driven from his recollection 
by an emotion which very nearly resembled fear, but which he 
was fain to believe was admiration. Under its influence he 
exclaimed aloud, ^‘She expects you, and is at hand;” and 
precipitately left the cavern. 

There was a strange blending of the ridiculous with that 
which was so solemn in this scene. The beast still continued 
its rolling and apparently untiring movements, though its 
ludicrous attempt to imitate the melody of David ceased the 
instant the latter abandoned the field. The chief advanced 
to the bedside of the invalid, and beckoned away the whole 
group of female attendants that had clustered there to wit- 
ness the skill of the stranger. He was implicitly, though 
reluctantly, obeyed; and when the low echo which rang along 
the hollow, natural gallery, from the distant closing door, had 
ceased, pointing toward his insensible daughter, he said : 

“ How let my brother show his power.” 

Thus called on to exercise the functions of his assumed 
character, Heyward was apprehensive that the smallest delay 
might prove dangerous. In the disordered state of his thoughts, 
he would soon have fallen into some suspicious if not fatal 
error, had not his attempts been interrupted by a fierce growl 
from the quadruped. Three several times did he renew his 
efforts to proceed, and as often was he met by the same unac- 
countable opposition, each interruption seeming more savage 
and threatening than the preceding. 

“The cunning ones are jealous,” said the Huron; “I go. 
Brother, the woman is the wife of one of my bravest young 
men; deal justly bydier. Peace,” he added, beckoning to the 
discontented beast to be quiet; “I go.” 

The chief was as good as his word', and Duncan now found 
himself alone in that wild and desolate abode, with the help- 


AN INTELLIGENT BEAK. 


147 


less invalid, and tlie fierce and dangerous brute. The youth 
looked anxiously about him for some weapon, with which he 
might make a resistance against the attack he now seriously 
expected. It seemed, however, as if the humor of the animal 
had suddenly changed. The huge and unwieldy talons pawed 
stupidly about the grinning muzzle, and while Heyward kept 
his eyes riveted on its movements with jealous watchfulness, 
the grim head fell on one side, and in its place appeared the 
honest, sturdy countenance of the scout, who was indulging, 
from the bottom of his soul, in his own peculiar expression of 
merriment. 

‘‘ Hist! ” said the wary woodsman, interrupting Heyward’s 
exclamation of surprise; “ the varlets are about the place, and 
any sounds that are not natural to witchcraft would bring 
them back upon us in a body.” 

‘‘Tell me the meaning of this masquerade; and why you 
have attempted so desperate an adventure.” 

“Ah! reason and calculation are often outdone by accident, ” 
returned the scout. “ But as a story should always commence 
at the beginning, I will tell you the whole in order. After 
we parted I placed the commandant and the sagamore in an 
old beaver-lodge, where they are safer from the Hurons than 
they would be in the garrison of Edward. After which 
IJncas and I pushed for the other encampment, as was 
agreed; have you seen the lad ? ” 

“ To my great grief! — he is captive, and condemned to die 
at the rising of the sun.” 

“I had misgivings that such would be his fate,” resumed 
the scout, in a less confident and joyous tone. “ Well, IJncas 
and I fell in with a returning party of the varlets; the lad was 
much too forward for a scout; nay, for that matter, being of 
hot blood, he was not so much to blame, and, after all, one of 
the Hurons proved a coward and, in fieeing, led him into an 
ambushment.” 

“ And dearly has he paid for the weakness! ” 


148 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


The scout significantly passed his hand across his own 
throat, after which he continued : 

“After the loss of the hoy, I turned upon the Hurons, as 
you may judge. Then what should luck do in my favor but 
lead me to the very spot where one of the most famous con- 
jurers of the tribe was dressing himself, as I well knew, for 
some great battle with Satan. So a judgmatical rap over the 
head stiffened the lying impostor for a time, and stringing him 
up atween two saplings, I made free with his finery, and 
took the part of the bear on myself, in order that the oper- 
ations might proceed. But all our work is yet before us; 
where is the gentle one ? ” 

“ Heaven knows: I have examined every lodge in the village 
without discovering the slightest trace of her presence in the 
tribe.” 

“You heard what the singer said, as he left us — ‘ She is at 
hand, and expects you.’ Here are walls enough to separate 
the whole settlement. A bear ought to climb; therefore will 

take a look above them. There may be honey-pots hid in 
these rocks, and I am a beast, you know, that has a hankering 
for the sweets.” 

The scout clambered up the partition, imitating, as he went, 
the clumsy motion of the beast he represented; but the instant 
the summit was gained, he made a gesture for silence, and 
slid down with the utmost precipitation. 

“ She is here,” he whispered, “ and by that door you will 
find her. I would have spoken a word of comfort to the 
afflicted soul; but the sight of such a monster might upset 
her reason. Though for that matter. Major, you are none of 
the most inviting yourself in your paint.” 

Duncan, who had already sprung eagerly forward, drew 
instantly back on hearing these discouraging words. 

“Am I, then, so very revolting?” he demanded, with an 
air of chagrin. 

“You might not startle a wolf or turn the Eoyal Americans 


LE RENARD SUBTIL TRAPPED. 


149 


from a charge; but I’ve seen the time when you had a better- 
favored look. See,” he added, pointing to a place where the 
water trickled from a rock, “you may easily get rid of the 
sagamore’s daub, and when you come back I will try my hand 
at a new embellishment. It’s common for a conjurer to alter 
his paint.” 

The deliberate woodsman had little occasion to hunt for 
arguments to enforce his advice. He was yet speaking when 
Duncan availed himself of the water. In a moment every 
frightful or offensive mark was obliterated, and the youth 
appeared again in the lineaments with which he had been 
gifted by Nature. Thus prepared for an interview with his 
mistress, he took a hasty leave of his companion, and disap- 
peared through the indicated passage. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

LE RER-ARD SUBTIL TRAPPED. 

Du^ican had no other guide than a distant glimmering 
light, which served, however, the office of a polar star to the 
lover. By its aid he was enabled to enter another apartment of 
the cavern, that had been solely appropriated to the safe-keep- 
ing of so important a prisoner as a daughter of the command- 
ant of William Henry. It was profusely strewed with the 
plunder of that unlucky fortress. In the midst of this con- 
fusion he found her he sought, pale, anxious, and terrified, 
but lovely. David had prepared her for such a visit. 

“ Duncan! ” she exclaimed, in a voice that seemed to trem- 
ble at the sounds created by itself. 

“ Alice! ” he answered, leaping carelessly among the trunks, 
boxes, arms, and furniture, until he stood at her side. 

“ I knew that you would never desert me,” she said, looking 
up with a momentary glow on her otherwise dejected counte- 
nance. “But you are alone! Grateful as it is to be thus 


150 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


remembered, I could wish to think you are not entirely 
alone.” 

Duncan, observing that she trembled in a manner which 
betrayed her inability to stand, gently induced her to be seated 
while he recounted those leading incidents which it has been 
our task to record. 

“And now, Alice,” he added, “you will see how much is 
still expected of you. By the assistance of our experienced 
and invaluable friend, the scout, we may find our way from 
this savage people, but you will have to exert your n tmost for- 
titude. Kemember that you fiy to the arms of your venerable 
parent, and how much his happiness, as well as your own, de- 
pends on those exertions.” 

The youth was interrupted by a light tap on his shoulder. 
Starting to his feet, he turned and, confronting the intruder, 
his looks fell on the dark form and malignant visage of Magua. 
The deep, guttural laugh of the savage sounded, at such a 
moment, to Duncan like the taunt of a demon. Eegarding 
both his captives for a moment with a steady look, and then 
stepping aside, the Indian dropped a log of wood across a 
door different from that by which Duncan had entered, after 
which he approached his prisoners, and said in English : 

“ The pale-faces trap the cunning beavers; but the red-skins 
know how to take the Yengeese.” 

“ Huron, do your worst! ” exclaimed the excited Heyward; 
“you and your vengeance are alike despised.” 

“ Will the white man speak these words at the stake? 
asked Magua. 

“Here; singly to your face, or in the presence of your 
nation.” 

“ Le Eenard Subtil is a great chief,” returned the Indian; 
“ he will go and bring his young men to see how bravely a 
pale-face can laugh at the tortures.” 

He turned away while speaking, and was about to leave the 

^ the stake or post to which the Indians tied prisoners to torture or put them to death. 


LE RENAKD SUBTIL TRAPPED. 


151 


place through the avenue by which Duncan had approached, 
when a growl caught his ear, and caused him to hesitate. The 
figure of the bear appeared in the door, where it sat, rolling 
from side to side in its customary restlessness. Magua, like 
the father of the sick woman, eyed it keenly for a moment, as 
if to ascertain its character, and as soon as he recognized the 
well-known attire of the conjurer, he prepared to pass it in 
cool contempt. 

“ Fool! ” exclaimed the chief, in Huron, “ go play with the 
children and squaws; leave men to their wisdom.” 

Suddenly the beast extended its arms, or rather legs, and 
inclosed him in a grasp that might have vied with the bear’s 
hug” itself. Heyward then caught up a thong of buckskin, 
which had been used around some bundle, and when he 
beheld his enemy with his two arms pinned to his side by the 
iron muscles of the scout, he rushed upon him, and effectually 
secured them there. Arms, legs, and feet were encircled in 
twenty folds of the thong, in less time than we have taken to 
record the circumstance. When the Huron was completely 
pinioned, Duncan laid him on his back, utterly helpless. 

Throughout the whole of this operation, Magua, though he 
had struggled violently, had not uttered the slightest excla- 
mation. But when Hawkeye removed the shaggy jaws of the 
beast, and exposed his own rugged countenance to the gaze of 
the Huron, the philosophy of the latter was so far mastered as 
to permit him to utter the never-failing “ Hugh! ” 

‘‘Ay! you’ve found your tongue,” said his conqueror; 
“ now, in order that you shall not use it to our ruin, I must 
make free to stop your mouth.” 

As there was no time to be lost, the scout immediately 
set about to gag the Indian. 

“ By what place did the imp enter? ” asked he, when his 
work was ended. “ Not a soul has passed my way since you 
left me.” 

Duncan pointed out the door by which Magua had come. 


152 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


and wliich now presented too many obstacles to a quick 
retreat. 

“Bring on the gentle one, then,” continued his friend; 
“ we must make a push for the woods by the other outlet.” 

“ ’Tis impossible! ” said Duncan; “fear has overcome her, 
and she is helpless. Go, noble and worthy friend, save your- 
self, and leave me to my fate! ” 

‘ ‘ Every trail has its end, and every calamity brings its 
lesson!” returned the scout. “There, wrap her in them 
Indian cloths. Now take her in your arms and follow.” 

Duncan took the light person of Alice in his arms, and fol- 
lowed on the footsteps of the scout. They passed to the 
entrance, and Hawkeye threw open the covering of bark and 
left the place, enacting the character of the bear as he pro- 
ceeded. Taking the path most likely to avoid observation, he 
rather skirted than entered the village. The warriors were 
still to be seen in the distance, by the fading light of the fires, 
stalking from lodge to lodge. Alice revived under the reno- 
vating influence of the open air. 

“ Now let me make an effort to walk,” she said, when they 
had entered the forest. “ I am indeed restored.” 

“Nay, Alice, you are yet too weak.” 

The maiden struggled gently to release herself, and Hey- 
ward was compelled to part with his precious burden. The 
representative of the bear had been an entire stranger to the 
emotions of the lover while his arms encircled his mistress, 
but when he found himself at a suitable distance from the 
lodges he made a halt, and spoke on a subject of which he 
was thoroughly the master. 

“This path will lead you to the brook,” he said; “follow 
its northern bank until you come to a fall; mount the hill on 
your right, and you will see the fires of the other people. 
There you must go, and demand protection; if they are true 
Delawares, you will be safe. A distant flight with that gentle 
one, just now, is impossible. The Hurons would follow our 


A BOLD ADVENTUKE. 


153 


trail, and master our scalps before we had got a dozen miles. 
Go, and Providence be with you! ” 

And you ! ’’ demanded Heyward, in surprise; ‘^surely we 
part not here ? ” 

“ The Hurons hold the pride of the Delawares; the last of 
the high blood of the Mohicans is in their power,” returned 
the scout; “ I go to see what can be done in his favor. Afore 
it shall be said that IJncas was taken to the torment, and I at 
hand, good faith shall depart from the ’arth, and Killdeer 
become as harmless as the tooting we’pon of the singer! ” 
Duncan released his hold on the arm of the scout, who 
turned and steadily retraced his steps toward the lodges. After 
pausing a moment to gaze at his retiring form, the successful 
and yet sorrowful Heyward and Alice took their way together 
toward the distant village of the Delawares. 


CHAPTER XXXII. 

A BOLD ADVEI^TUEE. 

Hawkeye pursued his way directly towards the center of 
the lodges. As he approached the buildings his steps became 
more deliberate, and his vigilant eye suffered no sign, whether 
friendly or hostile, to escape him. A neglected hut was a little 
in advance of the others, and appeared as if it had been 
deserted when half completed. Throwing himself into a 
suitable posture for the beast he represented, Hawkeye 
crawled to a little opening, where he might command a view 
of the interior. It proved to be the abiding-place of David 
Gamut. Hither the faithful singing-master had now brought 
himself, together with all his sorrows, and his meek depen- 
dence on the protection of Providence. Eirst making the 
circuit of the hut, and ascertaining that it stood quite alone, 
Hawkeye ventured through its low door, into the very presence 
of Gamut. The suddenness and the nature of the surprise 


154 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


had nearly proved too much for the faith and resolution of 
David. He fumbled for his pitch-pipe, and arose with a 
confused intention of attempting a musical exorcism. 

“Dark and mysterious monster! ” he exclaimed, “I know 
not your nature nor intents; but if aught you meditate 
against the person of one of the humblest servants of the tem- 
ple, listen to the inspired language of the youth of Israel, and 
repent.” 

The bear shook his shaggy sides, and then a well-known 
voice replied : 

“ Put up the tooting we’pon, and teach your throat mod- 
esty. Five words of plain and comprehendible English are 
worth, just now, an hour of squalling.” 

“What art thou?” demanded David, nearly gasping for 
breath. 

“A man like yourself,” returned Hawkeye, uncasing his 
honest countenance to assure the confidence of his companion. 

Hav§ you so soon forgotten from whom you received the 
foolish instrument you hold in your hand ? How let us to 
business.” 

“ First tell me of the maiden and of the youth who so 
bravely sought her,” interrupted David. 

“ Ay; they are happily free from the tomahawks of these 
varlets. But can you put me on the scent of IJncas? ” 

“ The task will not be difficult,” returned David, hesitat- 
ing; “ though I greatly fear your presence would rather in- 
crease than mitigate his unhappy fortunes.” 

“ Ho more words, but lead on,” returned Hawkeye, con- 
cealing his face again, and setting the example in his own 
person by instantly quitting the hut. 

The lodge in which Uncas was confined was in the very 
center of the village, and in a situation, perhaps, more diffi- 
cult than any other to approach without observation. But it 
was not the policy of Hawkeye to affect the least concealment. 
Presuming on his ability to sustain the character he had as- 


A BOLD ADVENTURE. 


155 


sumed, he took the most plain and direct route to the place. 
The boys were already buried in sleep, and all the women, and 
most of the warriors, had retired to their lodges for the night. 
Four or five of the latter only lingered about the door of the 
prison of Uncas, wary but close observers of the manner of 
their captive. At the sight of Gamut, accompanied by one in 
the well-known masquerade of their most distinguished con- 
jurer, they readily made way for them both. From the total 
inability of the scout to address the Hurons in their own lan- 
guage, he was compelled to trust the conversation entirely to 
David. Notwithstanding the simplicity of the latter, he did 
justice to fie instructions Hawkeye had taken care to give him. 

‘‘The Delawares are women!” he exclaimed, addressing 
himself to one of them who had a slight understanding of the 
language in which he spoke; “ the Yengeese, my foolish coun- 
trymen, have told them to take up the tomahawk and strike 
their fathers in the Canadas, and they have forgotten their 
sex. Does my brother wish to hear Le Cerf Agile ask for his 
petticoats, and see him weep before the Hurons at the stake ? ” 

The exclamation “Hugh!” delivered in a strong tone of 
assent, announced the gratification the savage would receive in 
witnessing such an exhibition of weakness in an enemy so long 
hated and so much feared. 

“ Then let him step aside, and the cunning man will blow 
upon the dog! Tell it to my brothers.” 

The Huron explained the meaning of David to his fellows, 
who drew back a little from the entrance, and motioned for 
the supposed conjurer to enter. But the bear, instead of 
obeying, maintained the seat it had taken, and growled. 

“ The cunning man is afraid that his breath will blow upon 
his brothers, and take away their courage, too,” continued 
David; “ they must stand further off.” 

The Hurons fell back in a body, taking a position where 
they were out of ear-shot, though at the same time they could 
command a view of the entrance to the lodge. Then, as if 


156 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


satisfied of their safety, the scout slowly entered the place. 
It was silent and gloomy, being tenanted solely by the cap- 
tive, and lighted by the dying embers of a fire which had been 
used for cookery. As soon as David gave the preconcerted 
signal, a low hissing sound was heard in the lodge, in place of 
the fierce growlings of the bear. Dncas had cast his body 
against the wall of the hut, and closed his eyes, as if willing 
to exclude so contemptible and disagreeable an object from his 
sight. But the moment the noise of the serpent was heard, 
he arose, and uttered, in a deep, suppressed voice: 

‘^Hawkeye!” 

‘‘ Cut his bands,” said Hawkeye to David. 

The singer did as he was ordered, and Uncas found his limbs 
released. At the same moment the dried skin of the animal 
rattled, and presently the scout arose to his feet, in proper 
person. When he had cast his shaggy vestment, which was 
done l)y simply loosing certain thongs of skin, he drew a long 
glittering knife, and put it in the hands of Uncas. 

“ The red Hurons are without,” he said; let us be ready.” 

‘‘We will go,” said Uncas. 

“Whither?” 

“To the Tortoises; they are the children of my grand- 
fathers.” 

“ Ay, lad,” said the scout, “the same blood runs in your 
veins, I believe; but what shall we do with the Mingoes at the 
door ? They count six, and this singer is as good as nothing. 
As for myself, I can brain a Huron as well as a better man ; 
but when it conies to a race, the knaves would prove too much 
for me. So, Uncas, you had better take the leap, while I will 
put on the skin again, and trust to cunning for want of speed.” 

The young Mohican made no reply, but leaned his body 
against one of the posts that supported the wall of the hut. 

“Well,” said the scout, “ why do you tarry? There will 
be time enough for me. They will give chase to you at first.” 

“ Uncas will stay,” was the calm reply. 


A BOLD ADVENTURE. 


157 


‘‘For what?” 

To die with the friend of the Delawares.” 

'"Ay, lad,” returned Hawkeye, “ ’twould have been more 
like a Mingo than a Mohican had you left me. But I thought 
I would make the offer, seeing that youth commonly loves life. 
Well, what can’t be done by main courage, in war, must be 
done by circumvention. Put on the skin; I doubt not you 
can play the bear nearly as well as myself.” 

Uncas incased himself in the covering of the beast, and 
then awaited such other movements as his more aged compan- 
ion saw fit to dictate. 

‘‘Now, friend,” said Hawkeye, addressing David, “an ex- 
change of garments will be a great convenience to you. Here, 
take my hunting-shirt and cap, and give me your blanket 
and hat. You must trust me with the book and spectacles, as 
well as the tooter, too : if we ever meet again, you shall have 
all back, with many thanks into the bargain.” 

David parted with the articles with a readiness that would 
have done credit to his liberality, had he not profited, in many 
particulars, by the exchange. Hawkeye was not long in as- 
suming his borrowed garments, and when his restless eyes 
were hid behind the glasses, aud his head was surmounted by 
the triangular beaver, as their statures were not dissimilar, he 
might readily have passed for the singer by starlight. He now 
turned to David and gave him his parting instructions. 

“Your chief est danger will be at the moment when the sav- 
ages find out that they have been deceived. If you stay, it 
must be to sit down here in the shadow, and take the part of 
Uncas, until such time as the cunning of the Indians discovers 
the cheat, when your time of trial will come. So choose for 
yourself — to make a rush or to tarry here.” 

“Even so,” said David, firmly; “I will abide in the place 
of the Delaware. Bravely and generously has he battled in 
our behalf; and this, and more, will I dare in his service.” 

The scout shook him cordially by the hand; after which he 


158 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


immediately left the lodge, attended by the new representa- 
tive of the beast. The instant he found himself under the 
observation of the Hurons, he drew up his tall form in the 
rigid manner of David, threw out his arm in the act of keep- 
ing time, and commenced what he intended for an imitation of 
his psalmody. The little knot of Indians drew back in a 
body, and suffered, as they thought, the conjurer and his in- 
spired assistant to proceed. It required no common exercise 
of fortitude in Uncas and the scout to continue the dignified 
and deliberate pace they had assumed in passing the lodges. 
The least injudicious or impatient movement on the part of 
David might betray them, and time was absolutely necessary to 
insure the safety of the scout. They were not, however, inter- 
rupted; the darkness of the hour and the boldness of the 
attempt proving their principal friends. The adventurers had 
got clear of the village, and were now swiftly approaching the 
shelter of the woods, when a loud and long cry arose from the 
lodge where Uncas had been confined. The Mohican started 
on his feet and shook his shaggy covering, as though about 
to make some desperate effort. * 

Hold! ” said the scout, “ let them yell again! ” 

The next instant a burst of cries filled the air and ran along 
the whole extent of the village. Uncas cast his skin and 
stepped forth in his own beautiful proportions. Hawkeye 
tapped him lightly on the shoulder and glided ahead. 

Now let the devils strike our scent! ” said the scout, tear- 
ing two rifles from beneath a bush, and flourishing Killdeer, as 
he handed Uncas his weapon; ‘‘two, at least, will find it to 
their deaths. ” 

Then, throwing their pieces to a low trail, like sportsmen in 
readiness for their game, they dashed forward, and were soon 
buried in the somber darkness of the forest. 


ON THE TKAIL OF THE FUGITIVES. 


159 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 

ON THE TEAIL OF THE FUGITIVES. 

The impatience of the savages who lingered about the prison 
of Uncas had overcome their dread of the conjurer’s breath. 
They stole, cautiously and with beating hearts, to a crevice 
through which the faint light of the fire was glimmering. For 
several minutes they mistook the form of David for that of 
their prisoner, but when, unconscious o^ being observed, he 
turned his head and exposed his mild countenance, in place of 
the haughty lineaments of their prisoner, it would have exceeded 
the credulity of even a native to have doubted any longer. 
They rushed together into the lodge, and laying their hands, 
with but little ceremony, on their captive, immediately de- 
tected the imposition. Then arose the cry first heard by the 
fugitives. It was succeeded by the most frantic demonstra- 
tions of vengeance. A native warrior fights as he sleeps, 
without the protection of anything defensive. The sounds of 
the alarm were, therefore, hardly uttered, before two hundred 
men were crowded in a body round the council-lodge, impa- 
tiently awaiting the instructions of their chiefs. In such a 
sudden demand on their wisdom, the presence of the cunning 
Magna could scarcely fail of being needed, and messengers 
were dispatched to his lodge, requiring his presence. 

In the meantime some of the swiftest of the young men 
were ordered to make the circuit of the clearing under cover 
of the woods, in order to ascertain that their suspected neigh- 
bors, the Delawares, designed no mischief. The clamor of 
many voices soon announced that a party approached, who 
might be expected to communicate some intelligence. The 
crowd without gave way, and several warriors entered the 
place, bringing with them the hapless conjurer, who had been 
left so long by the scout in duress. He was listened to with 
the deepest attention, When his brief story was ended, the 


160 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


father of the sick woman related what he knew. The subse- 
quent inquiries were made with the characteristic cunning of 
the savages. Instead of rushing in a disorderly throng to the 
cavern, ten of the wisest among the chiefs were selected to 
prosecute the investigation. As no time was to he lost, the 
individuals appointed rose in a body, and left the place with- 
out speaking. 

The outer apartment of the cavern was silent and gloomy. 
The woman lay in her usual place, though there were those 
present who affirmed 1:hey had seen her borne to the woods, by 
the supposed ^‘medicine of the white men.” Such a con- 
tradiction of the tale related by the father, caused all eyes to 
be turned on him. The chief advanced to the side of the 
bed, and, stooping, cast a look at the features, as if distrust- 
ing their reality. His daughter was dead. The mournful 
intelligence was received in solemn silence. After a short 
pause, a dark-looking object was seen rolling out of an adjoin- 
ing apartment, into the very center of the room where they 
stood. The whole party drew back a little, until the object 
fronted the light and, rising on end, exhibited the distorted 
but still fierce and sullen features of Magua. 

The discovery was succeeded by a general exclamation of 
amazement. As soon as the true situation of the chief was 
understood, several ready knives appeared, and his limbs and 
tongue were quickly released. The Huron arose, and shook 
himself like a lion quitting his lair. When suitable time had 
elapsed, the oldest of the party spoke. 

My friend has found an enemy,” he said. “Is he nigh, 
that the Hurons may take revenge ? ” 

“Let the Delaware die! ” exclaimed Magua, in a voice of 
thunder. 

“ The Mohican is swift of foot, and leaps far, but my young 
men are on his trail.” 

“Is he gone ? ’ ’ demanded Magua, in tones so deep and 
guttural, that they seemed to proceed from his inmost chest. 


ON THE TKAIL OF THE FUGITIVES. 


161 


“ An evil spirit has been among us, and the Delaware has 
blinded our eyes.” 

An evil spirit! ” repeated the other, mockingly; ’tis the 
spirit that has taken the lives of so many Hurons — the dog 
who carries the heart and cunning of a Huron under a pale 
skin — La Longue Carabine! ” 

The pronunciation of so terrible a name produced the usual 
effect among his auditors. But when time was given for reflec- 
tion, and the warriors remembered that their formidable and 
daring enemy had even been in the bosom of their encamp- 
ment, working injury, fearful rage took the place of wonder. 
Magua, who had found leisure for reflection, now assumed the 
air of one who knew how to think and act with a dignity 
worthy of so grave a subject. 

Let us go to my people,” he said; ^^they wait for us.” 

His companions consented in silence, and the whole of the 
savage party left the cavern and returned to the council-lodge. 
When they were seated, Magua told his tale without duplicity 
or reservation. The whole deception practiced by both Dun- 
can and Hawk eye was, of course, laid naked; and no room 
was found, even for the most superstitious of the tribe, any 
longer to affix a doubt on the character of the occurrences. 
When he had ended, additional pursuers were sent on the trail 
of the fugitives; and then the chiefs applied themselves in 
earnest to the business of consultation. Many different expe- 
dients were proposed by the elder warriors in succession, to all 
of which Magua was a silent and respectful listener. It was 
only when each one disposed to speak had uttered his senti- 
ments, that he prepared to advance his own opinions. They 
were given with additional weight from the circumstance that 
some of the runners had already returned, and reported that 
their enemies had been traced so far as to leave no doubt of 
their having sought safety in the neighboring camp of their 
suspected allies, the Delawares. 

It has been already stated that, in obedience to a policy 
11 


162 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


rarely departed from, the sisters were separated so soon as they 
reached the Huron village. Magna had early discovered that, 
in retaining the person of Alice, he possessed the most effec- 
tual check on Cora. When they parted, therefore, he kept 
the former within reach of his hand, consigning the one he 
most valued to the keeping of their allies. While goaded 
incessantly by those revengeful impulses that in a savage sel- 
dom slumber, the chief was still attentive to his more perma- 
nent personal interests. 

He had now attained one great object of all his cunning. 
The ground he had lost in the favor of his people was com- 
pletely regained, and he found himself even placed at the 
head of affairs. Throwing off, therefore, the appearance of 
consultation, he assumed the grave air of authority necessary 
to support the dignity of his office. 

Eunners were dispatched for intelligence in different direc- 
tions; spies were ordered to approach and feel the encamp- 
ment of the Delawares; the warriors were dismissed to their 
lodges, with an intimation that their services would soon be 
needed; and the women and children were ordered to retire. 
When these arrangements were made, Magua passed to his 
own lodge. While others slept, however, he neither knew nor 
sought repose, and long before the day dawned, warrior after 
warrior entered his solitary hut, until they had collected to the 
number of twenty. Each bore his rifle, and all the other ac- 
couterments of war, though the paint was uniformly peaceful. 
The entrance of these fierce-looking beings was unnoticed: 
some seating themselves in the shadows of the place, and 
others standing like motionless statues, until the whole of the 
band designated the previous evening was collected. 

Then Magua arose and gave the signal to proceed, marching 
himself in advance. They followed their leader singly, and 
in that well-known order which has obtained the distinguishing 
9,ppellation of Indian file.^ Instead of taking the path which 

* single file, passing one behind the other. 


ON THE TRAIL OF THE FUGITIVES. 


163 


led directly toward the camp of the Delawares, he led his 
party for some distance down the windings of the stream, and 
along the little artificial lake of the beavers. The day began 
to dawn as they entered the clearing which had been formed 
by those industrious animals. 

Though Magua, who had resumed his ancient garb, bore 
the outline of a fox on the dressed skin which formed his 
robe, there was one chief of his party who carried the heaver 
as his peculiar symbol, or totem. ^ There would have been a 
species of profanity in the omission, had this man passed so 
powerful a community of his fancied kindred without bestow- 
ing some evidence of his regard. Accordingly he paused, 
and spoke in words as kind and friendly as if he were address- 
ing more intelligent beings. He called the animals his cous- 
ins, and reminded them that his protecting influence was the 
reason they remained unharmed, while so many avaricious 
traders were prompting the Indians to take their lives. “ Just 
as he had ended his address, the head of a large beaver was 
thrust from the door of a lodge whose earthen walls had been 
much injured, and which the whole party had believed, from 
its situation, to be uninhabited. Such an extraordinary sign 
of confidence was received by the orator as a highly favorable 
omen, and though the animal retreated a little precipitately, 
he was lavish of his thanks and commendations. 

When Magua thought sufficient time had been lost in grat- 
ifying the family affection of the warrior, he again made the 
signal to proceed. As the Indians moved away in a body, 
and with a step that would have been inaudible to the ears of 
any common man, the same venerable-looking beaver once 
more ventured his head from its cover. Had any of the Hu- 
rons turned to look behind them, they would have seen the 
animal watching their movements with a sagacity that might 

1 See note 2, page 129. them for cowardice, or commending their 

2 These harangues to the beasts are fre- resolution, as they may happen to exhibit 
quent among the Indians. They often ad- fortitude or the reverse in suffering.— Ad- 
dress their victims in this way, reproaching thor''8 Note. 


164 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


easily have been mistaken for reason. Indeed, so very intelli- 
gible were the devices of the quadruped, that even the most 
experienced observer would have been at a loss to account for 
its actions, until the moment when the party entered the for- 
est, when the whole would have been explained, by seeing the 
entire animal issue from the lodge, uncasing, by the act, the 
grave features of Chingachgook from his mask of fur. 


CHAPTEE XXXIV. 

, TAMENUND. 

The tribe, or, rather, half tribe of Delawares which has 
been so often mentioned, and whose present place of encamp- 
ment was so nigh the temporary village of the Hurons, could 
assemble about an equal number of warriors with the latter 
people. Like their neighbors, they had followed Montcalm 
into the territories of the English crown, and were making 
heavy and serious inroads on the hunting-grounds of the Mo- 
hawks; though they had seen fit, with the mysterious reserve 
so common among the natives, to withhold their assistance at 
the moment when it was most required. On that morning 
when Magna led his silent party from the settlement of the 
beavers into the forest in the manner described, the sun rose 
upon the Delaware encampment, as if it had suddenly burst 
upon a busy people, actively employed in all the customary 
avocations of high noon. The warriors were lounging in 
groups, musing more than they conversed; and when a few 
words were uttered, speaking like men who deeply weighed 
their opinions. Occasionally the eyes of the whole group 
were turned toward a large lodge in the center of the village, 
as if it contained the subject of their common thoughts. 

During the existence of this scene, a man suddenly appeared 
at the furthest extremity of a platform of rock which formed 
the level of the village. He was without arms, and his paint 


TAMENUJSTD. 


165 


tended rather to soften than increase the natural sternness of 
his austere countenance. When in full view of the Dela- 
wares, he stopped, and made a gesture of amity, by throwing 
his arm upward toward heaven, and then letting it fall impres- 
sively on his breast. The inhabitants of the village answered 
his salute by a low murmur of welcome, and encouraged him 
to advance by similar indications of friendship. Fortified by 
these assurances, the dark figure left the brow of the natural 
rocky terrace. When he had reached the group in which the 
principal chiefs were collected, he paused, and then the Dela- 
wares saw that the active and erect form that stood before 
them was that of the well-known Huron chief, Le Eenard 
Subtil. The warriors in front stepped aside, opening the way 
to their most approved orator, one who spoke all those lan- 
guages that were cultivated among the northern aborigines. 

‘‘The wise Huron is welcome,” said the Delaware, in the 
language of the Maquas; “he is come to eat his succotash 
with his brothers of the lakes.” 

“He is come,” replied Magua, bending his head with the 
dignity of an Eastern prince. 

The chief extended his arm, and, taking the other by the 
wrist, they once more exchanged friendly salutations. Then 
the Delaware invited his guest to enter his own lodge and 
share his morning meal. The invitation was accepted ; and the 
two warriors, attended by three or four of the old men, walked 
calmly away. During the short repast that followed, the con- 
versation related entirely to the events of the hunt in which 
Magua had lately been engaged. When the appetites of the 
whole were appeased, the squaws removed the trenchers and 
gourds, and the two parties began to prepare themselves for a 
subtle trial of their wits. 

“ I have brought gifts to my brother,” said Magua. “ His 
nation would not go on the war-path, because they did not 
think it well: but their friends have remembered where they 
lived.” 


166 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


When he had thus announced his liberal intention^ the 
crafty chief arose and spread his presents before the dazzled 
eyes of his hosts. They consisted principally of trinkets of 
little value, plundered from the slaughtered females of W^il- 
liam Henry. He bestowed those of greater value on the two 
most distinguished warriors, one of whom was his host, who, 
after contemplating his own liberal share of the spoil with 
peculiar gratification, repeated the words : 

My brother is a wise chief. He is welcome.” 

“The Hurons love the Delawares,” returned Magua. 
“ The red-skins should be friends, and look with open eyes on 
the white men. Has not my brother scented spies in the 
woods? ” 

The Delaware, whose name in English signified “ Hard- 
heart,” an appellation that the French had translated into 
“ Le Coeur-dur,” forgot that obduracy of purpose that had 
probably obtained him so significant a title, and he deigned 
to answer directly. 

“ There have been strange moccasins about my camp. They 
have been tracked into my lodges.” 

“ Did my brother beat out the dogs ? ” asked Magua. 

“ It would not do. The stranger is always welcome to the 
children of the Lenape.” 

“ The stranger, but not the spy.” 

“ Would the Yengeese send their women as spies ? Did not 
the Huron chief say he took women in the battle? ” 

“ He told no lie. The Yengeese have sent out their scouts. 
They have been in my wigwams, but they found there no one 
to say welcome. Then they fled to the Delawares — for, say 
they, the Delawares are our friends ; their minds are turned 
from their Canada father! ” 

“ Let my father look in my face,” said Le Coeur-dur; “he 
will see no change. It is true, my young men did not go out 
on the war-path; they had dreams for not doing so. But they 
love and venerate the great white chief.” 


TAMENUND. 


167 


‘‘ Will he think so when he hears that his greatest enemy 
is fed in the camp of his children? When he is told a 
bloody Yengee smokes at your fire ? That the pale-face who 
has slain so many of his friends goes in and out among the 
Delawares ? Go! my great Canada father is not a fool! ” 

‘‘ Where is the Yengee that the Delawares fear? ” returned 
the other; who has slain my young men ? Who is the mor- 
tal enemy of my Great Father ? ” * 

La Longue Carabine! ” 

The Delaware warriors started at the well-known name, 
betraying, by their amazement, that they now learned, for the 
first time, one so famous among the Indian allies of France 
was within their power. 

What does my brother mean ? ” demanded Le Coeur-dur, 
in a tone that, by its wonder, far exceeded the usual apathy of 
his race. 

‘‘A Huron never lies!” returned Magua; “let the Dela- 
wares count their prisoners; they will find one whose skin is 
neither red nor pale.” 

A long and musing pause succeeded. The chief consulted 
apart with his companions, and messengers were dispatched 
to collect certain others of the most distinguished men of the 
tribe. As warrior after warrior dropped in, they were each 
made acquainted, in turn, with the important intelligence that 
Magua had just communicated. When the excitement had a 
little abated, the old men disposed themselves seriously to con- 
sider that which it became the honor and safety of their tribe 
to perform under circumstances of so much delicacy and em- 
barrassment. The council of the Delawares was short. When 
it was ended, a general^ bustle announced that it was to he 
immediately succeeded by a solemn and formal assemblage of 
the nation. 

It might have been half an hour before each individual, 
including even the women and children, was in his place. 

1 meaning the King of France. 


168 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


The delay had been created by the grave preparations that 
were deemed necessary to so unusual a conference. But when 
the sun was seen climbing above the tops of that mountain 
against whose bosom the Delawares had constructed their en- 
campment, most were seated. The multitude somewhat ex- 
ceeded a thousand souls. In a collection of so serious savages 
there is never found any impatient aspirant after distinction. 
It rests solely with the oldest and most experienced of the men 
to lay the subject of the conference before the people. Until 
such a one chose to make some movement, no deeds in arms, 
no natural gifts would have justified the slightest interrup- 
tion. On the present occasion the delay had continued long 
beyond the usual deliberative pause that precedes such a 
conference. 

At length, one of those low murmurs that are so apt to 
disturb a multitude was heard, and the whole nation arose to 
their feet by a common impulse. At that instant the door of 
one of the lodges opened, and three men, issuing from it, 
slowly approached the place of consultation. They were all 
aged, even beyond that period to which the oldest present had 
reached; but one in the center, who leaned on his companion 
for support, had numbered an amount of years to which the 
human race is seldom permitted to attain. His frame, which 
had once been tall and erect, was now bending under the 
pressure of more than a century. His dark, wrinkled coun- 
tenance was in singular and wild contrast with the long white 
locks which fioated on his shoulders. 

The dress of this patriarch was rich and imposing, though 
strictly after the simple fashions of the tribe. His robe was of 
the finest skins, which had been deprived of their fur, in order 
to admit of a hieroglyphical representation of various deeds in 
arms done in former ages. His bosom was loaded with med- 
als, some in massive silver, and one or two even in gold, the 
gifts of various Christian potentates during the long period of 
his life. His head was encircled by a sort of plated diadem, 


TAMENUND. 


169 


which bore glittering ornaments that sparkled amid the glossy 
hues of three drooping ostrich feathers, dyed a deep black. 
His tomahawk was nearly hid in silver, and the handle of his 
knife shone like a horn of solid gold. 

So soon as the first hum of emotion and pleasure, which 
the sudden appearance of this venerated individual created, 
had a little subsided, the name of Tamenund was whispered 
from mouth to mouth. Magua had often heard the fame of 
this wise and just Delaware; a reputation that even pro- 
ceeded so far as to bestow on him the rare ^ift of holdinof 
secret communion with the Great Spirit, and which has since 
transmitted his name, with some slight alteration, to the white 
usurpers of his ancient territory, as the imaginary tutelar saint ^ 
of a vast empire. The eyes of the old man were closed, as 
though the organs were wearied with having so long witnessed 
the selfish workings of the human passions. He seated him- 
self in the center of his nation, with the dignity of a monarch 
and the air of a father. 

After a short delay, a few of the young men, to whom in- 
structions had been whispered by one of the aged attendants, 
arose, left the crowd, and entered the lodge which has already 
been noted. In a few minutes they reappeared, escorting the 
individuals who had caused all these solemn preparations 
toward the seat of judgment. The crowd opened in a lane; 
and, when the party had re-entered, it closed in again, forming 
a large and dense belt of human bodies, arranged in an open 
circle. 

1 The Americans sometimes call their chief lived, and died, has never been clearly 
tutelar saint Tamenay, a corruption of the proved. The author in conferring the same 
name of the renowned chief here introduced, name upon a venerable character of the 
There are many traditions which speak of last century was only following a practice 
the character and power of. Tamenund. common among the red men, that of hand- 
He was said to have been wise above all ing down the names of their greatest chiefs 
other red men, and to have lived to a great to succeeding generations as so many titles 
age. But at what period this venerated othonov— Author's Note. 


170 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


CHAPTEK XXXV. 

MAGUA^S TKIUMPH. 

CoEA stood foremost among the prisoners, entwining her 
arms in those of Alice, in the tenderness of sisterly love. 
Notwithstanding the fearful and menacing array of savages on 
every side of her, no apprehension on her own account could 
prevent the noble-minded maiden from keeping her eyes fas- 
tened on the pale and anxious features of the trembling Alice. 
Close at their side stood Heyward. Hawkeye had placed him- 
self a little in the rear, with a deference to the superior rank 
of his companions, that no similarity in the state of their 
present fortunes could induce him to forget. Tineas was not 
there. When perfect silence was restored, one of the chiefs, 
who sat at the side of the patriarch, arose, and demanded in 
very intelligible English: ‘‘Which of my prisoners is La 
Longue Carabine ? ” 

Neither Duncan nor the scout answered. The former 
glanced his eyes around the assembly, and recoiled a pace, 
when they fell on the malignant visage of Magua. He saw, 
at once, that this wily savage had some secret agency in their 
present arraignment before the nation, and determined to 
throw every possible impediment in the way of the execution 
of his sinister plans. Before he had time, however, to speak, 
the question was repeated in a louder voice. 

“ Give us arms,” the young man replied, “ and place us in 
yonder woods. Our deeds shall speak for us! ” 

“This is the warrior whose name has tilled our ears! ” re- 
turned the chief, regarding Heyward with curious interest. 
“What has brought the white man into the camp of the 
Delawares ? ” 

“ My necessities. I come for food, shelter, and friends.” 

“ It cannot be.. The woods are full of game. The head of 
a warrior needs no other shelter than a sky without clouds.” 


MAGUA S TKIUMPH. 


171 


Duncan, a little at a loss in what manner to proceed, re- 
mained silent ; hut the scout now advanced steadily to the 
front. 

“ That I did not answer to the call of La Longue Carabine 
was not owing either to shame or fear,” he said ; “ for neither 
one nor the other is the gift of an honest man. But I do not 
admit the right of the Mingoes to bestow a name on one whose 
friends have been mindful of his gifts, in this particular ; 
especially as their title is a lie, Killdeer being a grooved 
barrel and no carabine. I am a man, however, that got the 
name of Nathaniel from my kin ; the compliment of Hawkeye 
from the Delawares, who live on their own river ; and whom 
the Iroquois have presumed to style the Long Eifle, without 
any warranty from him who is most concerned in the matter.” 

It is good,” said the chief. Brother,” added he, turn- 
ing his eyes on Magua, “ the Delawares listen.” 

Thus called on to declare his object, the Huron arose; and, 
advancing with great deliberation and dignity into the very 
center of the circle, where he stood confronted to the prison- 
ers, he placed himself in an attitude to speak. 

‘‘The Spirit that made men, colored them differently,” 
commenced the subtle Huron. “ Some are blacker than the 
sluggish bear. These He said should be slaves; and He or- 
dered them to work forever like the beaver. Some He made 
with faces paler than the ermine of the forests; and these He 
ordered to be traders; dogs to their women, and wolves to 
their slaves. Some the Great Spirit made with skins brighter 
and redder than yonder sun, and these did He fashion to His 
own mind. He gave them this island as He had made it, cov- 
ered with trees and filled with game. If they fought among 
themselves, it was to prove that they were men. They were 
brave; they were just; they were happy. If the Great Spirit 
gave different tongues to His red children, it was that all ani- 
mals might understand them. Some He placed among the 
snows with their cousin, the bear. Some He placed near the 


172 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


setting sun, on the road to the happy hunting-grounds. Some 
on the lands around the great fresh waters ; but to His greatest 
and most beloved. He gave the sands of the salt lake. Do my 
brothers know the name of this favored people? ” 

“It was the Lenape! ” exclaimed twenty eager voices in a 
breath.' 

“It was the Lenni Lenape,” returned Magua, affecting to 
bend his head in reverence to their former greatness. “It 
was the tribes of the Lenape ! The sun rose from water that 
was salt, and set in water that was sweet, and never hid himself 
from their eyes. But why should I, a Huron of the woods, 
tell a wise people their own traditions ? Why remind them 
of their injuries; their ancient greatness; their deeds; their 
glory; their happiness; their losses; their defeats; their mis- 
ery ? Is there not one among them who has seen it all, and 
who knows it to be true ? I have done. My tongue is still, 
for my heart is of lead. I listen.” 

As the voice of the speaker suddenly ceased, every face and 
all eyes turned, by a common movement, toward the vener- 
able Tamenund. The patriarch made an effort to rise, and 
being upheld by his supporters, he gained his feet while he 
tottered with weakness. 

“ Who calls upon the children of the Lenape ? ” he said, in 
a deep voice; “who speaks of things gone? Does not the 
egg become a worm — the worm a fly, and perish ? Why tell 
the Delawares of good that is past ? Better thank the Man- 
itou ^ for that which remains. What brings a Huron here ? ” 

“Justice. His prisoners are with his brothers, and he comes 
for his own.” 

Tamenund turned his head toward one of his supporters, 
and listened to the short explanation the man gave. Then 
facing the applicant, he regarded him a moment with deep at- 
tention ; after which he said, in a low and reluctant voice : 

“Justice is the law of the great Manitou. My children, 

1 Indian name for God, or the Great Spirit. 


magua’s tkiumph. 


173 


give tbe stranger food. Then, Huron, take thine own and 
depart.” 

On the delivery of this solemn judgment the patriarch seated 
himself. Then Magua cast a look of triumph around the 
whole assembly before he proceeded to the execution of his 
purpose, but Cora rushed to the feet of the patriarch, anS, 
raising her voice, exclaimed aloud : 

‘‘Just and venerable Delaware, on thy wisdom and power 
we lean for mercy ! Be deaf to yonder artful and remorseless r 
monster, who poisons thy ears with falsehoods to feed his 
thirst for blood. Thou that hast lived long, and that hast 
seen the evil of the world, shouldst know how to temper its 
calamities to the miserable.” 

The eyes of the old man opened heavily, and he once more 
looked upward at the multitude. Kising without assistance, 
and seemingly without an effort, he demanded, in a voice that 
startled its auditors by its firmness — 

“ What art thou ? ” 

“ A woman. One of a hated race, if thou wilt — a Yengee. 
But one who has never harmed thee, and who cannot harm 
thy people, if she would; who asks for succor. For myself I 
ask nothing. Like thee and thine, venerable chief, the curse 
of my ancestors has fallen heavily on their child. But yonder 
is one who has never known the weight of Heaven’s displeas- 
ure until now. She is the daughter of an old and failing man, 
whose days are near their close. She has many, very many to 
love her and delight in her; and she is too good, much too 
precious, to become the victim of that villain. But there is 
yet one of thine own people who has not been brought before 
thee; before thou lettest the Huron depart in triumph, hear 
him speak.” 

“ Let him come,” returned the sage. 

Then Tamenund once more' sank into his seat, and a silence 
so deep prevailed, while the young men prepared to obey his 
simple mandate, that the leaves which fluttered in the draught 


174 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


of the light morning air were distinctly heard rustling in the 
surrounding forest. 


OHAPTEK XXXVI. 

^ r A SON OF THE GREAT UNAMIS. 

The silence continued unbroken by human sounds for many 
anxious minutes. Then the waving multitude opened and 
shut again, and Uncas stood in the living circle. Advancing 
with a slow and noiseless step up the area, he placed himself 
immediately before the footstool of the sage. Here he stood 
unnoted, though keenly observant himself, until one of the 
chiefs apprised the latter of his presence. 

“With what tongue does the prisoner speak to the Man- 
itou? ” demanded the patriarch, without unclosing his eyes. 

“ Like his fathers,” Uncas replied; “ with the tongue of a 
Delaware.” 

“Delaware! ” resumed the sage, “little art thou worthy of 
thy name. My people have not seen a bright sun in many 
winters; and the warrior who deserts his tribe when hid in 
clouds is doubly a traitor. The law of the Manitou is just. 
It is so; while the rivers run and the mountains stand, while 
the blossoms come and go on the trees, it must be so. He is 
thine, my children; deal justly by him.” 

Then a cry of vengeance burst at once, as it might be, from 
the united lips of the nation. In the midst of these prolonged 
and savage yells, a chief proclaimed, in a high voice, that the 
captive was condemned to endure the dreadful trial of torture 
by fire. Throughout these trying moments, Uncas had alone 
preserved his serenity. He looked on the preparations with a 
steady eye, and when the tormentors came to seize him, he 
met them with a firm and upright attitude. One among them 
seized the hunting-shirt of the young warrior, and at a single 
effort, tore it from his body. Then with a yell he leaped 
towards his victim and prepared to lead him to the stake. 


A SON OF THE GREAT UNAMIS. 


175 


But at that moment the purpose of the savage was arrested 
as suddenly as if a supernatural agency had interposed in the 
behalf of Uncas. The eyeballs of the Delaware seemed to 
start from their sockets; his mouth opened, and his whole 
form became frozen in an attitude of amazement. Kaising 
his hand with a slow and regulated motion, he pointed with a 
finger to the bosom of the captive. His companions crowded 
about him in wonder, and every eye was, like his own, fas- 
tened intently on the figure of a small tortoise, beautifully 
tattooed on the breast of the prisoner, in a bright blue tint. 
For a single instant Uncas enjoyed his triumph, calmly smil- 
ing on the scene. Then, motioning the crowd away with a 
high and haughty sweep of his arm, he advanced in front of 
the nation with the air of a king, and spoke louder than the 
murmur of admiration that ran through the multitude : 

Men of the Lenni Lenape! ” he said, ^^my race upholds 
the earth! Your feeble tribe stands on my shell! What fire 
that a Delaware can light would burn the child of my fathers; 
the blood that came from such stock would smother your 
flames! My race is the grandfather of nations! ” 

^‘Who art thou?” demanded Tamenund, rising at the 
startling tones he heard, more than at any meaning conveyed 
by the language of the prisoner. 

“Uncas, the son of Chingachgook, ” answered the captive, 
“ a son of the great Unamis.” * 

“The hour of Tamenund is nigh!” exclaimed the sage; 
“ the day is come, at last, to the night! I thank the Manitou 
that one is here to fill my place at the council fire. Uncas^ 
the child of Uncas, is found! Let the eyes of a dying eagle 
gaze on the rising sun ! ’ ’ 

The youth stepped lightly, but proudly, on the platform, 
where he became visible to the whole agitated and wondering 
multitude. Tamenund held him long at the length of his arm, 
and read every turn in the fine lineaments of his counte- 

1 Turtle. 


176 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


nance, with the untiring gaze of one who recalled days of 
happiness. 

Is Tamenund a hoy ? ” at length the bewildered prophet 
exclaimed. “ The arrow of Tamenund would not frighten 
the fawn ; his arm is withered like the branch of a dead oak ; 
yet is Uncas before him as they went to battle against the 
pale-faces! Uncas, the panther of his tribe, the eldest son of 
the Lenape, the wisest sagamore of the Mohicans! Tell me, 
ye Delawares, has Tamenund been a sleeper for a hundred 
winters ? ” 

Uncas, looking in his face with the fondness and veneration 
of a favored child, presumed on his own high and acknowl- 
edged rank to reply : 

‘‘ Four warriors of his race have lived and died,” he said, 
“ since the friend of Tamenund led his people in battle. The 
blood of the Turtle has been in many chiefs, hut all have gone 
back into the earth whence they came, except Chingachgook 
and his son. Once we slept where we could hear the salt lake 
speak in its anger. Then we were rulers and sagamores over 
the land. But when a pale-face was seen on every brook, we 
followed the deer back to the river of our nation. The Dela- 
wares were gone. Few warriors of them all stayed to drink 
of the stream they loved. Then said my fathers : ‘ Here will 
we hunt. The waters of the river go into the salt lake. If 
we go toward the setting sun, we shall find streams that run 
into the great lakes of sweet water; there would a Mohican 
die, like fishes of the sea in the clear springs. When the 
Manitou is ready, and shall say ‘‘Come,” we will follow the 
river to the sea and take our own again.’ ” 

The men of the Lenape listened to his words with all the 
respect that superstition could lend, finding a secret charm 
even in the figurative language with which the young saga- 
more imparted his ideas. Uncas himself watched the effect 
with intelligent eyes, and gradually dropped the air of authority 
he had assumed, as he perceived that his auditors were content. 


A SON OF THE GREAT UNAMIS. 


177 


Then, permitting his looks to wander over the silent throng, 
he first perceived Hawkeye in his bonds. Stepping eagerly 
from his stand, he made way for himself to the side of his 
friend; and, cutting his thongs with a quick and angry stroke 
of his own knife, he motioned to the crowd to divide. The 
Indians silently obeyed, and once more they stood ranged in 
their circle, as before his appearance among them. Uncas 
took the scout by the hand, and led him to the feet of the 
patriarch. 

“ Father,” he said, look at this pale-face; a just man, and 
a friend of the Delawares.” 

“ Is he a son of Minquon ? ” ^ 

‘‘ Not so; a warrior known to the Yengeese, and feared by 
the Maquas.” 

“ What name has he gained by his deeds ? ” 

‘‘We call him Hawkeye,” Uncas replied, using the Dela- 
ware phrase; “for his sight never fails. The Mingoes know 
him better by the death he gives their warriors : with them he 
is The Long Eifle. ” 

“ La Longue Carabine! ” exclaimed Tamenund, opening his 
eyes, and regarding the scout sternly. “ My son has not done 
well to call him friend.” 

“I call him so who proves himself such,” returned the 
young chief, with great calmness, hut with a steady mien. “ If 
Uncas is welcome among the Delawares, then is Hawkeye with 
his friends.” 

“ The pale-face has slain my young men; his name is great 
for the blows he has struck the Lenape.” 

“ If a Miugo has whispered that much in the ear of the 
Delaware, he has only shown that he is a singing-bird,” said 
the scout, who now believed that it was time to vindicate 
himself from such offensive charges. “ That I have slain the 

» William Penn [founder of Philadelphia] his dealings with them, his reputation for 
was termed Minquon by the Delawares, and probity passed into a proverb.— Awt/ior’s 
as he never used violence or injustice in Note, 

13 


178 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


Maquas, I am not the man to deny, even at their own council- 
fires; but that, knowingly, my hand has ever harmed a Dela- 
ware, is opposed to the reason of my gifts, which is friendly 
to them and all that belongs to their nation.” 

A low exclamation of applause passed among the warriors, 
who exchanged looks with each other like men that first began 
to perceive their error. 

“ Where is the Huron ? ” demanded Tamenund. “ Has he 
stopped my ears? ” 

Magua answered to the call by stepping boldly in front of 
the patriarch. 

“The just Tamenund,” he said, “will not keep what a 
Huron has lent.” 

“ The woman the Huron left with my warriors? ” 

“ She is mine! ” cried Magua, shaking his hand in triumph 
at Tineas. 

After a short and impressive pause the sage, on whom alone 
the decision depended, said, in a firm voice : 

“Huron, depart.” 

“ As he came, just Tamenund,” demanded the wily Magua, 
“or with hands filled with the faith of the Delawares? The 
wigwam of Le Eenard Subtil .is empty. Make him strong 
with his own.” 

The aged man mused with himself for a time; and then, 
bending his head toward one of his venerable companions, he 
asked : 

“ Is this Mingo a chief ? ” 

“ The first in his nation.” 

“ Girl, what wouldst thou ? A great warrior takes thee to 
wife. Go; thy race will not end.” 

“ Better, a thousand times, it should,” exclaimed the horror- 
struck Cora, “ than meet with such a degradation! ” 

“ Huron, her mind is in the tents of her fathers. An un- 
willing maiden makes an unhappy wigwam.” 

“She speaks with the tongue of her people,” returned 


A SON OF THE GREAT UNAMiS. 


179 


Magua, regarding his victim with a look of bitter irony. 
‘‘She is of a race of traders, and will bargain for a bright 
look. Let Tamenund speak the words.” 

“ Take you the wampum and our love.” 

“ Nothing hence but what Magua brought hither.” 

“ Then depart with thine own. The Lreat Manitou for- 
bids that a Delaware should be unjust.” 

Magua advanced and seized the captive strongly by the arm ; 
the Delawares fell back in silence; and Cora, as if conscious 
that remonstrance would be useless, prepared to submit to her 
fate without resistance. 

“ Hold, hold! ” cried Duncan, springing forward; “ Huron, 
have mercy ! Her ransom shall make thee richer than any of 
thy people were ever yet known to be.” 

“ Magua is a red-skin; he wants not the beads of the pale- 
faces.” 

“ Gold, silver, powder, lead — all that a warrior needs shall 
be in thy wigwam; all that becomes the greatest chief.” 

“Le Subtil is very strong,” cried Magua, violently shaking 
the hand which grasped the unresisting arm of Cora; “ he has 
his revenge!” 

“ Huron,” said IJncas, “ the justice of the Delawares comes 
from the Manitou. Look at the sun. He is now in the upper 
branches of the hemlock. Your path is short and open. 
When he is seen above the trees, there will be men on your 
trail.” 

“ I hear a crow! ” exclaimed Magua, with a taunting laugh. 
“Go,” he added, shaking his hand at the crowd, which had 
slowly opened to admit his passage. “Dogs, rabbits, thieves 
— I spit on you! ” 

His parting gibes were listened to in a dead, boding silence, 
and Magua passed unmolested into the forest, followed by his 
passive captive, and protected by the inviolable laws of Indian 
hospitality. 


180 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICAN& 


CHAPTEE XXXVII. 

THE DELAWAEES OH THE WAR-PATH. 

So long as their enemy and his victim continued in sight, 
the multitude remained motionless; but the instant he disap- 
peared, it became tossed and agitated by fierce and powerful 
passion. Uncas maintained his elevated stand, keeping his 
eyes on the form of Cora, until the colors of her dress were 
blended with the foliage of the forest, when he descended, 
and moving silently through the throng, he disappeared in 
that lodge from which he had so recently issued. Tamenund 
and Alice were then removed, and the women and children 
were ordered to disperse. During the momentous hour that 
succeeded, the encampment resembled a hive of bees, who only 
awaited the example of their leader to take some distant and 
momentous flight. 

A young warrior at length issued from the lodge of Uncas; 
and moving deliberately toward a dwarf pine in the crevices 
of the rocky terrace, he tore the bark from its body, and then 
returned whence he came without speaking. He was soon fol- 
lowed by another, who stripped the sapling of its branches, 
leaving it a naked trunk. A third colored the post with 
stripes of a dark-red paint; all which indications of a hostile 
design in the leaders of the nation were received by the men 
without in a gloomy and ominous silence. Finally, the 
Mohican himself reappeared, divested of all his attire except 
his girdle and leggins, and with one-half of his fine features 
hid under a cloud of threatening black. Uncas moved with 
a slow and dignified tread toward the post, which he immedi- 
ately commenced encircling with a measured step, not unlike 
an ancient dance, raising his voice, at the same time, in the 
wild and irregular chant of his war-song. Three times did he 
repeat the song, and as often did he encircle the post in his 
dance. 


THE DELAWARES ON THE WAR-PATH. 


181 


At the close of the first turn, a grave and highly esteemed 
chief of the Lenape followed his example, singing words of 
his own to music of a similar character. Warrior after war- 
rior enlisted in the dance until all of any renown were num- 
bered in its mazes. Just then Tineas struck his tomahawk 
deep into the post, and raised his voice into a shout which 
might be termed his own battle-cry. The act announced that 
he had assumed the chief authority in the intended expedition. 
It was a signal that awakened all the slumbering passions of 
the nation. A hundred youths, who had hitherto been re- 
strained by the diffidence of their years, rushed in a frantic 
body on the fancied emblem of their enemy, and severed it 
asunder, splinter by splinter, until nothing remained of the 
trunk but its roots in the earth. 

The instant Uncas had struck the blow, he moved out of the 
circle, and cast his eyes up to the sun, which was just gaining 
the point when the truce with Magua was to end. The fact 
was soon announced by a significant gesture, accompanied by 
a corresponding cry; and the whole of the excited multitude 
abandoned their mimic warfare, with shrill yells of pleasure, 
to prepare for the more hazardous experiment of the reality. 

In the meantime Duncan saw Alice to a place of safety, and 
then sought the scout with a countenance that denoted how 
eagerly he also panted for the approaching contest. Hawkeye 
cast an occasional look at the number and quality of the war- 
riors who, from time to time, signified their readiness to ac- 
company Uncas to the field. In this particular he was soon 
satisfied, for, as has been already seen, the power of the young 
chief quickly embraced every fighting man in the nation. 
After this material point was so satisfactorily decided, he dis- 
patched an Indian boy in quest of Killdeer and the rifle of 
Uncas, to the place where they had deposited the weapons 
on approaching the camp of the Delawares. He received Kill- 
deer with a satisfaction that, momentarily, drove all other 
recollections from his mind. 


182 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


Uncas now collected his chiefs and divided his power. He 
presented Hawk eye as a warrior often tried, and always deserv- 
ing of confidence. When he found his friend met with a fa- 
vorable reception, he bestowed on him the command of twenty 
men. He gave the Delawares to understand the rank of Hey- 
ward among the troops of the Yengeese, and then tendered to 
him a trust of equal authority. But Duncan declined the 
charge, professing his readiness to serve as a volunteer by the 
side of the scout. After this disposition, the young Mohican 
appointed various native chiefs to fill the different situations 
of responsibility, and, the time pressing, he gave forth the 
word to march. He was cheerfully but silently obeyed by 
more than two hundred men. 

Their entrance into the forest was perfectly unmolested ; nor 
did they encounter any living objects that could either give 
the alarm or furnish the intelligence they needed, until they 
came upon the lairs of their own scouts. Here a halt was 
ordered, and the chiefs were assembled to hold a whispering 
council.” After a conference of many minutes, a solitary 
individual was seen advancing from the side of the enemy 
with such apparent haste as to induce the belief that he might 
be a messenger charged with pacific overtures. When within 
a hundred yards, however, of the cover behind which the 
Delaware council had assembled, the stranger hesitated, ap- 
peared uncertain what course to take, and finally halted. All 
eyes now turned on Uncas as if seeking direction. 

Hawkeye,” said the young chief, in a low voice, ‘‘ he must 
never speak to the Hurons again.” 

‘‘His time has come,” said the scout, thrusting the long 
barrel of his rifie through the leaves, and taking his deliberate 
and fatal aim. But, instead of pulling the trigger, he lowered 
the muzzle again, and indulged himself in a fit of his pecu- 
liar mirth. “ I took the imp for a Mingo, as I’m a miserable 
sinner!” he said; “but when my eye ranged along his ribs 
for a place to get the bullet in — would you think it, Uncas — I 


THE DELAWAEES ON THE WAR-PATH. 


183 . 


saw the musicianer’s blower! and so, after all, it is the man 
they call Gamut, whose death can profit no one, and whose life 
may he made serviceable to our own ends.” 

So saying, Hawkeye laid aside his rifle; and crawling 
through the bushes until within hearing of David, he at- 
tempted to repeat the musical effort, which had conducted 
himself, with so much safety, through the Huron encampment. 
The poor fellow appeared relieved from a state of great embar- 
rassment; for pursuing the direction of the voice, he soon 
discovered the hidden songster. 

‘‘I wonder what the Hurons will think of that,” said the 
scout, as he urged his companion toward the rear. ‘Hf the 
knaves lie within earshot, they will say there are two non- 
compossers instead of one! But here we are safe,” he added, 
pointing to Tineas and his associates. “How give us the history 
of the Mingo inventions without any ups and downs of voice.” 

“ The heathen are abroad in goodly numbers,” said David; 
“ and, I fear, with evil intent. There has been much howling 
and ungodly revelry, together with such sounds as it is pro- 
fanity to utter, in their habitations within the past hour : so 
much so, in truth, that I have fled to the Delawares in search 
of peace.” 

“ Your ears might not have profited much by the exchange 
had you been quicker of foot,” returned the scout, a little 
dryly. “ But let that be as it may; where are the Hurons ? ” 

“They lie hid in the forest, between this spot and their 
village, in such force that prudence would teach you instantly 
to return.” 

Hncas cast a glance along the range of trees which con- 
cealed his own band and mentioned the name of : 

“Magua?” 

“Is among them. He brought in the maiden that had 
sojourned with the Delawares, and leaving her in the cave, has 
put himself, like a raging wolf, at the head of his savages. I 
know not what has troubled his spirit so greatly! ” 


184 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


“He has left her, you say, in the cave! ” interrupted Hey- 
ward; “ ’tis well that we know its situation! May not some- 
thing he done for instant relief ? ” 

Tineas looked earnestly at the scout, before he asked: 

“ What says Hawkeye ? ” 

“ Give me my twenty rifles, and I will turn to the right, 
along the stream; and, passing by the huts of the beaver, will 
join the sagamore and the colonel. You shall then hear the 
Avhoop from that quarter; with this wind one may easily send 
it a mile. Then, Tineas, do you drive in their front; when 
they come within range of our pieces, we will give them a 
blow that, I pledge the good name of an old frontiersman, 
shall make their line bend like an ashen how. After which, 
we will carry their village, and take the woman from the cave ; 
when the affair may he finished with the tribe, according to a 
white man’s battle, by a blow and a victory; or, in the Indian 
fashion, with a dodge and a cover. There may be no great 
learning. Major, in this plan, but with courage and patience it 
can be all done.” 

“I like it much,” cried Duncan, who saw that the release 
of Cora was the primary object in the mind of the scout — “ I 
like it much. Let it be instantly attempted.” 

After a short conference, the plan was matured, and ren- 
dered more intelligible to the several parties; the different sig- 
nals were appointed, and the chiefs separated, each to his 
allotted station. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

THE FIGHT. 

Duking the time Tineas was making this disposition of his 
forces, the woods were as still, and, with the exception of those 
who had met in council, apparently as much untenanted, as 
when they came fresh from the hands of their Almighty Cre- 
ator. But Hawkeye, whose duty led him foremost in the 


THE FIGHT. 


185 


adventure, knew the character of those with whom he was 
about to contend too well to trust the treacherous quiet. 

When he saw his little band collected, the scout threw Kill- 
deer into the hollow of his arm and, making a silent signal 
that he would be followed, he led them many rods toward the 
rear, into the bed of a little brook which they had crossed in 
advancing. Here he halted, and then for the first time per- 
ceived that his party had been followed thus far by the sing- 
ing-master. He hesitated, as if weighing the chances of such 
a strange enlistment in his mind, before he said : 

You know not the use of any we’pon. You carry no 
rifie; and, believe me, what the Mingoes take they will freely 
give again.” 

Though not a vaunting and bloodily-disposed Goliath,” ^ 
returned David, drawing a sling from beneath his uncouth 
attire, “ I have not forgotten the example of the Jewish boy. 
With this ancient instrument of war have I practiced much in 
my youth, and perad venture the skill has not entirely departed 
from me.” 

Ay! ” said Hawkeye, the thing might do its work among 
arrows, or even knives; but these Mengwe “ have been furnished 
by the Drenchers with a good grooved barrel a man. However, 
it seems to be your gift to go unharmed amid fire; and as you 
have hitherto been favored, you can follow; we may find use 
for you in the shoutings.” 

Hawkeye then made the signal to proceed. He knew that the 
Huron encampment lay a short half mile up the brook; and, 
with the characteristic anxiety of one who dreaded a hidden 
danger, he was greatly troubled at not finding the smallest 
trace of the presence of his enemy. He had stood, while 
making his observations, sheltered by a brake, and his com- 
panions still lay in the bed of the ravine, through which the 
small stream debouched; but on hearing a low, though intel- 
ligible signal, the whole party stole up the bank, like so many 

> See 1 Samuel, xvii. 4-49. ® meaning Mingoes. 


186 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


dark specters, and silently arranged themselves around him. 
Pointing in the direction he wished to proceed, Hawkeye ad- 
vanced, the hand breaking off in a single file, and following 
accurately in his footsteps. The party was scarcely uncovered 
before a volley from a dozen rifles was heard in their rear; and 
a Delaware, leaping high into the air, like a wounded deer, 
fell at his whole length, perfectly dead. 

‘‘Ah! I feared some deviltry like this!” exclaimed the 
scout, in English; adding, with the quickness of thought, in 
his adopted tongue, “ To cover, men, and charge! ” 

The band dispersed at the word, and, before Heyward had 
well recovered from his surprise, he found himself standing 
alone with David. Luckily the Hurons had already fallen 
back, and he was safe from their fire. It would seem that the 
assault had been made by a very small party, which, however, 
continued to increase in numbers, as it retired on its friends, 
until the return fire was nearly, if not quite, equal to that 
maintained by the advancing Delawares. Heyward threw 
himself among the combatants, and, imitating the necessary 
caution of his companions, he made quick discharges with his 
own rifle. The contest now grew warm and stationary. Few 
were injured, as both parties kept their bodies as much pro- 
tected as possible by the trees. But the chances were gradually 
growing unfavorable to Hawkeye and his band. The quick- 
sighted scout perceived his danger, without knowing how to 
remedy it. He saw it was more dangerous to retreat than to 
maintain his ground: while he found his enemy throwing out 
men on his flank, which rendered the task of keeping them- 
selves covered so very difficult to the Delawares as nearly to 
silence their fire. At this embarrassing moment, when they 
began to think the whole of the hostile tribe was gradually 
encircling them, they heard the yell of combatants, and the 
rattling of arms, echoing under the arches of the wood, at the 
place where IJncas was posted ; a bottom which lay beneath 
the ground on which Hawkeye and his party were contending. 


THE FIGHT. 


187 


The effects of this attack were instantaneous, and to the 
scout and his friends greatly relieving. Animating his fol- 
lowers by his voice and example, Ilawkeye gave the word to 
bear down upon their foes. The charge, in that rude species 
of warfare, consisted merely in pushing from cover to cover, 
nigher to the enemy; and in this maneuver he was instantly 
and successfully obeyed. The Hurons were compelled to with- 
draw, and the scene of the contest rapidly changed from the 
more open ground on which it had commenced to a spot where 
the assailed found a thicket to rest upon. Here the struggle 
was protracted, arduous, and seemingly of doubtful issue ; the 
Delawares, though none of them fell, beginning to bleed 
freely, in consequence of the disadvantage at which they were 
held. In this crisis, Hawkeye found means to get behind 
the same tree that served for a cover to Heyward; most of his 
own combatants being within call, a little on his right, where 
they maintained rapid though fruitless discharges on their 
sheltered enemies. 

“ Shall we charge ? ” exclaimed Heyward. 

little relish such a measure,” replied Hawkeye, ^‘for a 
scalp or two must be thrown away in the attempt. And yet if 
we are to be of use to Hncas, these knaves in our front must 
be got rid of.” 

Then, turning with a prompt and decided air, he called 
aloud to his Indians, in their own language. His words were 
answered by a shout; and, at a given signal, each warrior made 
a swift movement around his particular tree. The sight of so 
many dark bodies, glancing before their eyes at the same 
instant, drew a hasty, and consequently an ineffectual fire 
from the Hurons. Without stopping to breathe, the Dela- 
wares leaped in long bounds toward the wood, like so many 
panthers springing upon their prey. Hawkeye was in front, 
brandishing his terrible rifle, and animating his followers by 
his example. The combat endured only for an instant, hand 
to hand, and then the assailed yielded ground rapidly, until 


188 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


they reached the opposite margin of the thicket, where they 
clung to the cover with that sort of obstinacy that is so often 
witnessed in hunted brutes. At this critical moment, when 
the success of the struggle was again becoming doubtful, the 
crack of the rifle was heard behind the Hurons, and a bullet 
came whizzing from among some beaver lodges, which were 
situated in the clearing, in the rear, and was followed by the 
flerce and appalling yell of the war-whoop. 

There speaks the sagamore!” shouted Hawkey e, answer- 
ing the cry with his own stentorian voice; ‘‘we have them 
now in face and back ! ’ ’ 

The effect on the Hurons was instantaneous. They took 
to flight, but many fell under the bullets of the Delawares. 
We shall not pause to detail the meeting between the scout and 
Chingachgook, or the more touching interview that Duncan 
held with Munro. A few brief and hurried words served to 
explain the state of things to both parties; and then Hawk- 
eye, pointing out the sagamore to his band, resigned the chief 
authority into the hands of the Mohican chief. Chingach- 
gook, following the footsteps of the scout, led the party back 
through the thicket, his men scalping the fallen Hurons, and 
secreting their own dead as they proceeded, until they gained 
a point where it was thought well to make a halt. 

The warriors were now posted on a bit of level ground, 
sprinkled with trees in sufficient numbers to conceal them. 
The land fell away rather precipitately in front, and beneath 
their eyes stretched a narrow, dark, and wooded vale. It was 
through this dense and dark forest that Tineas was still con- 
tending with the main body of the Hurons. The Mohican 
and his friends advanced to the brow of the hill, and listened, 
with practiced ears, to the sounds of the combat. 

“ The flght is coming up the ascent,” said Duncan, pointing 
in the direction of a new explosion of fire-arms; “ we are too 
much in the center of their line to be effective.” ' 

“They will incline into the hollow, where the cover is 


THE FIGHT. 


189 


thicker,” said the scout, ‘‘and that will leave us well on the 
flank. Go, Sagamore: you will hardly be in time to give the 
whoop and lead on the young men. I will fight this scrim- 
mage with warriors of my own color. You know me, Mohi- 
can ; not a Huron of them all shall cross the swell, into your 
rear, without the notice of Killdeer.” 

It was not long before the reports of the rifles began to lose 
the echoes of the woods, and to sound like weapons dis- 
charged in the open air. Then a warrior appeared, here and 
there, driven to the skirts of the forest, and rallying as he 
entered the clearing as at the place where the final stand was 
to be made. These were soon joined by others, until a long 
line of swarthy figures was to be seen clinging to the cover 
with the obstinacy of desperation. Heyward began to grow 
impatient, and turned his eyes anxiously in the direction of 
Chingachgook. The chief was seated on a rock, considering 
the spectacle with an eye as deliberate as if he were posted 
there merely to view the struggle. 

“The time is come for the Delaware to strike!” said 
Duncan. 

“ Hot so, not so,” returned the scout; “ when he scents his 
friends, he will let them know that he is here. See, see, the 
knaves are getting in that clump of pines, like bees settling 
after their flight.” 

At that instant the whoop was given, and a dozen Hurons 
fell by a discharge from Chingachgook and his band. The 
shout that followed was answered by a single war-cry from 
the forest, and a yell passed through the air that sounded as if 
a thousand throats were united in a common effort. The 
Hurons staggered, deserting the center of their line, and 
Uncas issued from the forest through the opening they had 
left, at the head of a hundred warriors. 

Waving his hands right and left, the young chief pointed 
out the enemy to his followers, who separated in pursuit. 
The war now divided, both wings of broken Hurons seeking 


190 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


protection in the woods again, hotly pressed by the victorious 
warriors of the Lenape. A minute might have passed, but 
the sounds were already receding in different directions, and 
gradually losing their distinctness beneath the echoing arches 
of the woods. One little knot of Hurons, however, had dis- 
dained to seek cover, and were retiring, like lions at bay, 
slowly and sullenly up the acclivity, which Chingachgook 
and his band had just deserted, to mingle more closely in the 
fray. Magua was conspicuous in this party, both by his fierce 
and savage mien, and by the air of haughty authority he yet 
maintained. 


CHAPTER XXXIX. 

COEA IS AVENGED. 

In his earnestness to expedite the pursuit. Tineas had left 
himself nearly alone; but the moment his eye caught the figure 
of Le Subtil every other consideration was forgotten. Raising 
his cry of battle, which recalled some six or seven warriors, and 
reckless of the disparity of their numbers, he rushed upon his 
enemy. Le Renard, who watched the movement, paused to 
receive him with secret joy. But at the moment when he 
thought the rashness of his impetuous young assailant had left 
him at his mercy, another shout was given, and La Longue 
Carabine was seen rushing to the rescue attended by all his 
white associates. The Huron instantly turned and com- 
menced a rapid retreat up the ascent. Tineas continued the 
pursuit with the velocity of the wind, and the pursuers and 
pursued entered the Wyandot village within striking distance 
of each other. 

Excited by the presence of their dwellings, and tired of the 
chase, the Hurons now made a stand, and fought around their 
council-lodge with the fury of despair. The onset and the 
issue were like the passage and destruction of a whirlwind. 
The tomahawk of Tineas, the blows of Hawkeye, and even 


CORA IS AVENGED. 


191 


the still nervous arm of Munro were all busy for that passing 
moment, and the ground was quickly strewed with their 
enemies. Magua, though daring and much exposed, escaped 
from every effort against his life. Eaising a yell that spoke 
volumes of anger and disappointment, the subtle chief, when 
he saw his comrades fallen, darted away from the place, at- 
tended by his two only surviving friends. 

But tineas bounded forward in pursuit; Hawkeye, Hey- 
ward, and David pressing on his footsteps. Suddenly Magua 
entered the mouth of the cave already known to the reader. 
Hawkeye, who had only forborne to fire in tenderness to IJncas, 
raised a shout of success, and proclaimed aloud that now they 
were certain of their game. The pursuers dashed into the 
long and narrow entrance in time to catch a glimpse of the 
retreating forms of the Hurons. Uncas kept his eye on 
Magua, as if life to him possessed hut a single object. Hey- 
ward and the scout still pressed on in his rear. But their way 
was becoming intricate in dark and gloomy passages, and the 
glimpses of the retiring warriors less distinct and frequent; 
and for a moment the trace was believed to he lost, when a 
white robe was seen fiuttering in the further extremity of a 
passage that seemed to lead up the mountain. 

“ ’Tis Cora! ” exclaimed Heyward, in a voice in which hor- 
ror and delight were wildly mingled. 

‘‘Cora! Cora!” echoed Uncas, hounding forward like a 
deer. 

“ ’Tis the maiden! ” shouted the scout. ‘‘ Courage, lady, 
we come ! we come ! ’ ’ 

The chase was renewed with a diligence rendered tenfold 
encouraging by this glimpse of the captive. But the way was 
rugged, broken, and, in spots, nearly impassable. Uncas 
abandoned his rifle, and leaped forward with headlong precipi- 
tation. Heyward rashly imitated his example, though both 
were, a moment afterward, admonished of its madness by 
hearing the bellowing of a piece that the Hurons found time 


192 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


to discharge down the passage in the rocks, the bullet from 
which even gave the young Mohican a slight wound. 

“We must close! ” said the scout, passing his friends by a 
desperate leap; “the knaves will pick us all olf at this dis- 
tance; and see, they hold the maiden so as to shield them- 
selves! ” 

Though his words were unheeded, or rather unheard, his 
example was followed by his companions, who, by incredible 
exertions, got near enough to the fugitives to perceive that 
Oora was borne along between the two warriors, while Magna 
prescribed the direction and manner of their flight. At this 
moment the forms of all four were strongly drawn against an 
opening in the sky, and then disappeared. Nearly frantic 
with disappointment, Uncas and Heyward increased efforts 
that already seemed superhuman, and they issued from the 
cavern on the side of the mountain in time to note the route 
of the pursued. The course lay up the ascent, and still con- 
tinued hazardous and laborious. 

Encumbered by his rifle, and, perhaps, not sustained by so 
deep an interest in the captive as his companions, the scout 
suffered the latter to precede him a little, Uncas, in his turn, 
taking the lead of Heyward. In this manner rocks, precipices, 
and difficulties were surmounted in an incredibly short space, 
that at another time, and under other circumstances, would 
have been deemed almost insuperable. But the impetuous 
young men were rewarded by finding that the Hurons were 
losing ground in the race. 

“Stay, dog of the Wyandots!” exclaimed Uncas, shaking 
his bright tomahawk at Magua; “ a Delaware girl calls stay! ” 

“I will go no further,” cried Cora, stopping unexpectedly 
on a ledge of rocks that overhung a deep precipice at no great 
distance from the summit of the mountain. “ Kill me if thou 
wilt, detestable Huron; I will go no further.” 

The supporters of the maiden raised their ready tomahawks, 
but Magua stayed the uplifted arms. The Huron chief, after 


CORA IS AVENGED. 


193 


casting the weapons he had wrested from his companions over 
the rocks, drew his knife, and turned to his captive with a 
look in which conflicting passions fiercely contended. 

‘‘ Woman,” he said, choose; the wigwam or the knife of 
Le Subtil!” 

Cora regarded him not, hut, dropping on her knees, she 
raised her eyes and stretched her arms toward heaven, saying, 
in a meek and yet confiding voice : 

“I am thine! Do with me as thou seest best! ” 

Woman,” repeated Magua, hoarsely, ‘‘choose!” 

But Cora neither heard nor heeded his demand. The form 
of the Huron trembled in every fiber, and he raised his arm 
on high, but dropped it again with a bewildered air, like one 
who doubted. Once more he struggled with himself, and 
lifted the keen weapon again — but just then a piercing cry 
was heard above them, and IJncas appeared, leaping franti- 
cally, from a fearful height, upon the ledge. Magua recoiled 
a step; and one of his assistants, profiting by the chance, 
sheathed his own knife in the bosom of Cora. 

The Huron sprang like a tiger on his offending and already 
retreating countryman, but the falling form of Uncas separated 
the unnatural combatants. Diverted from his object by this 
interruption, and maddened by the murder he had just wit- 
nessed, Magua buried his weapon in the back of the prostrate 
Delaware, uttering an unearthly shout as he committed the 
dastardly deed. But IJncas arose from the blow as the wounded 
panther turns upon his foe, and struck the murderer of Cora 
to his feet by an effort in which the last of his failing strength 
was expended. Then with a stern and steady look, he turned 
to Le Subtil and indicated, by the expression of his eye, all 
that he would do, had not the power deserted him. The lat- 
ter seized the nerveless arm of the unresisting Delaware, and 
passed his knife into his bosom three several times before his 
victim, still keeping his gaze riveted on his enemy with a look 
of inextinguishable scorn, fell dead at his feet. 

13 


194 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


‘‘Mercy! mercy! Huron,” cried Heyward, from above, 
“give mercy, and thou slialt receive it! ” 

Whirling the bloody knife up at the imploring youth, the 
victorious Magua uttered a cry so fierce, so wild, and yet so 
joyous, that it conveyed the sounds of savage triumph to the 
ears of those who fought in the valley, a thousand feet below. 
He was answered by a burst from the lips of the scout, whose 
tall person was just then seen moving swiftly toward him, 
along those dangerous crags, with steps as bold and reckless as 
if he possessed the power to move in air. But when the 
hunter reached the scene of the ruthless massacre, the ledge 
was tenanted only by the dead. 

His keen eyes took a single look at the victims, and then 
shot its glances over the difficulties of the ascent in his front. 
A form stood at the brow of the mountain, on the very edge 
of the giddy height, with uplifted arms, in an awful attitude 
of menace. Without stopping to consider his person, the rifle 
of Hawkeye was raised; but a rock, which fell on the head of 
one of the fugitives below, exposed the indignant and glowing 
countenance of the honest Gamut. Then Magua issued from 
a crevice, and, stepping with calm indifference over the body 
of the last of his associates, he leaped a wide fissure, and as- 
cended the rocks at a point where the arm of David could not 
reach him. A single bound would carry him to the brow of 
the precipice, and assure his safety. Before taking the leap, 
however, the Huron paused, and shaking his hand at the 
scout, he shouted : • 

“The pale-faces are dogs; the Delawares, women; Magua 
leaves them on the rocks, for the crows! ” 

Laughing hoarsely, he made a desperate leap, and fell short 
of his mark; though his hands grasped a shrub on the verge 
of the height. The form of Hawkeye had crouched like a 
beast about to take its spring. Without exhausting himself 
with fruitless efforts, the cunning Magua suffered his body to 
drop to the length of his arms, and found a fragment for his 


THE BURIAL. 


195 


feet to rest on. Then summoning all his powers, he renewed 
the attempt, and so far succeeded as to draw his knees on the 
edge of the mountain. It was now that the weapon of the 
scout was drawn to his shoulder. The surrounding rocks, 
themselves, were not steadier than the piece became, for the 
single instant that it poured out its contents. The arms of the 
Huron relaxed, and his body fell back a little, while his knees 
still kept their position. Turning a relentless look on his 
enemy, he shook a hand in grim defiance. But his hold 
loosened, and his dark person was seen cutting the air with his 
head downward, for a fieeting instant, until it glided past the 
fringe of shrubbery which clung to the mountain, in his 
rapid flight to destruction. 


CHAPTER XL. 

THE BURIAL. 

Ok the succeeding day the sun rose on the Lenape a nation 
of mourners. Xo shouts of success, no songs of triumph, 
were heard, in rejoicings for their victory. The lodges were 
deserted ; but a broad belt of earnest faces encircled a spot in 
their vicinity, whither everything possessing life had repaired, 
and where all were now collected in deep and awful silence. 

Six Delaware girls, with their long, dark, flowing tresses 
falling loosely across their bosoms, stood apart, and only gave 
proofs of their existence as they occasionally strewed sweet- 
scented herbs and forest flowers on a litter of fragrant plants 
that, under a pall of Indian robes, supported all that now re- 
mained of the high-souled and generous Cora. Her form was 
concealed in many wrappers of the same simple manufacture, 
and her face was shut forever from the gaze of men. At her 
feet was seated the desolate Munro. His aged head was bowed 
nearly to the earth, in compelled submission to the stroke of 
Providence. Gamut stood at his side, his meek head bared to 


196 


THE LAST OF THE ' MOHICANS. 


the rays of the sun, while his eyes seemed to be equally divided 
between that little volume, which contained so many holy max- 
ims, and the being in whose behalf his soul yearned to admin- 
ister consolation. Heyward was also nigh, endeavoring to 
keep down those sudden risings of sorrow that it required his 
utmost manhood to subdue. 

But sad and melancholy as this group may easily be imag- 
ined, it was far less touching than another that occupied the 
opposite space of the same area. Seated, as in life, with his 
form and limbs arranged in grave and decent composure. Tineas 
appeared, arrayed in the most gorgeous ornaments that the 
wealth of the tribe could furnish. Eich plumes nodded above 
his head; wampum, gorgets, bracelets, and medals, adorned 
his person in profusion; though his dull eye and vacant linea- 
ments too strongly contradicted the idle tale of pride they 
would convey. 

Directly in front of the corpse Chingachgook was placed, 
without arms, paint, or adornment of any sort, except the 
bright-blue blazonry of his race, that was indelibly impressed 
on his naked bosom. The scout was hard by, leaning in a 
pensive posture on his own fatal and avenging weapon ; while 
Tamenund, supported by the elders of his nation, occupied a 
high place at hand, whence he might look down on the mute 
and sorrowful assemblage of his people. 

Just within the inner edge of the circle stood a soldier, in 
the military attire of a strange nation; and without it was his 
war-horse, in the center of a collection of mounted domestics, 
seemingly in readiness to undertake some distant journey. 
The vestments of the stranger announced him to be one who 
held a responsible situation near the person of the captain of 
the Canadas; and who, as it would now seem, finding his errand 
of peace frustrated by the fierce impetuosity of his allies, was 
content to become a silent and sad spectator of the fruits of a 
contest that he had arrived too late to anticipate. 

The day was drawing to the close of its first quarter, and 


THE BURIAL. 


197 


yet had the multitude maintained its breathing stillness since 
its dawn. At last, the sage of the Delawares stretched forth 
an arm, and, leaning on the shoulders of his attendants, he 
arose with an air as feeble as if another age had already inter- 
vened between the man who had met his nation the preceding 
day and him who now tottered on his elevated stand. 

Men of the Lenape! ” he said, “ the face of the Manitou 
is behind a cloud ! his eye is turned from you ; his ears are 
shut; his tongue gives no answer. You see him not; yet his 
judgments are before you.” 

As this annunciation stole on the ears of the multitude, a 
stillness succeeded as if the venerated spirit they worshiped 
had uttered the words. As the immediate effect, however, 
gradually passed away, a low murmur of voices commenced a 
sort of chant in honor of the dead. The words were connected 
by no regular continuation, but as one ceased another took up 
the eulogy, and gave vent to emotions in such language as was 
suggested by the occasion. A girl, selected for the task by 
her rank and qualifications, commenced by modest allusions to 
the qualities of the deceased warrior, embellishing her expres- 
sions with those Oriental images that the Indians have proba- 
bly brought with them from the extremes of the other conti- 
nent. Then, they who succeeded, changing their tones to 
a milder strain, alluded to the stranger maiden, who had 
left the upper earth at a time so near his own departure, as to 
render the will of the Great Spirit too manifest to he disre- 
garded. With another transition in voice and subject, allu- 
sions were next made to the virgin who wept in the adjacent 
lodge. They compared her to fiakes of snow — as pure, as 
white, and as brilliant, and as liable to melt in the fierce heats 
of summer or congeal in the frosts of winter. 

A signal was now given by one of the elder chiefs to the 
women who crowded that part of the circle near which the 
body of Cora lay. Obedient to the sign, the girls raised the 
bier to the elevation of their heads, and advanced with slow 


198 


THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. 


and regulated steps, chanting, as they proceeded, another 
wailing song in praise of the deceased. Gamut now bent his 
head over the shoulder of the unconscious father, whispering : 

‘‘They move with the remains of thy child; shall we not 
follow and see them interred with Christian burial ? ” 

Munro started, and, bestowing one anxious and hurried 
glance around him, he arose and followed in the simple train 
with the mien of a soldier, hut bearing the full burden of a 
parent’s suffering. His friends pressed around him with a 
sorrow that was too strong to he termed sympathy. The place 
which had been chosen for the grave of Cora was a little 
knoll, where a cluster of young and healthful pines had taken 
root, forming themselves a melancholy and appropriate shade 
over the spot. On reaching it the girls deposited their burden, 
and continued for many minutes waiting for some evidence 
that they whose feelings were most concerned were content 
with the arrangement. At length the scout, who alone under- 
stood their habits, said in their own language : 

“My daughters have done well; the white men thank 
them.” 

Satisfied with this testimony in their favor, the girls pro- 
ceeded to deposit the body in a shell, ingeniously and not inele- 
gantly fabricated of the bark of the birch ; after which they 
lowered it into its dark and final abode. 

“ My young women have done enough,” resumed the scout. 
“I see that one who knows the Christian fashion is about to 
speak.” 

The females stood modestly aside, and during the time 
David was occupied in pouring out the pious feelings of his 
spirit, not a sign of impatience escaped them. The master of 
song exceeded his usual efforts. He ended, as he had begun, in 
the midst of solemn silence. The head of Munro had sunk 
upon his chest, and he was again fast relapsing into melan- 
choly, when the young Frenchman ventured to touch him 
lightly on the elbow. As soon as he had gained the attention 


THE SAGAMORE NOT ALONE. 


199 


of the mourning old man, he pointed toward a group of young 
Indians, who approached with a light but closely covered lit- 
ter, and then pointed upward toward the sun. 

‘‘I understand you, sir,” returned Munro, with a voice of 
forced firmness; ‘‘ I understand you. It is the will of Heaven, 
and I submit. Come, gentlemen, our duty here is ended ; let 
us depart.” 

Heyward gladly obeyed a summons that took them from a 
spot where, each instant, he felt his self-control was about to 
desert him. While his companions were mounting, however, 
he found time to press the hand of the scout, and to repeat the 
terms of an engagement they had made, to meet again within 
the posts of the British army. Then, gladly throwing himself 
into the saddle, he spurred his charger to the side of the litter, 
whence low and stifled sobs alone announced the presence of 
Alice. In this manner, the head of Munro again dropping on 
his bosom, with Heyward and David following in sorrowing 
silence, and attended by the aide of Montcalm with his guard, 
all the white men, with the exception of Hawkeye, passed 
from before the eyes of the Delawares, and were soon buried 
in the vast forests of that region. 


OHAPTEE XLI. 

THE SAGAMORE NOT ALONE. 

But the tie which, through their common calamity, had 
united the feelings of these simple dwellers in the woods with 
the strangers who had thus transiently visited them was not so 
easily broken. Years passed away before the traditionary tale 
of the white maiden, and of the young warrior of the Mohi- 
cans, ceased to beguile the long nights and tedious marches, or 
to animate their youthful and brave with a desire for ven- 
geance. Neither were the secondary actors in these momentous 
incidents forgotten. Through the medium of the scout, who 


200 


THE LAST OP THE MOHICANS. 


served for years afterward as a link between them and civi- 
lized life, they learned, in answer to their inquiries, that the 
Gray Head was speedily gathered to his fathers — borne down 
by his misfortunes, and that the Open Hand had conveyed 
his surviving daughter far into the settlements of the pale- 
faces, where her tears had at last ceased to flow, and had been 
succeeded by the bright smiles which were better suited to her 
joyous nature. 

But these were events of a time later than that which con- 
cerns our tale. Deserted by all of his color, Hawkeye returned 
to the spot where his own sympathies led him, with a force 
that no ideal bond of union could bestow. He was just in 
time to catch a parting look of the features of Hncas, whom 
the Delawares were already inclosing in his last vestment of 
skins. The body was deposited in an attitude of repose, fac- 
ing the rising sun, with the implements of war and of the 
chase at hand, in readiness for the final journey. The manual, 
rites then ceased, and all present reverted to the more spiritual 
part of the ceremonies. 

Chingachgook became once more the object of the common 
attention. He had not yet spoken, and something consolatory 
and instructive was expected from so renowned a chief on an 
occasion of such interest. Conscious of the wishes of the 
people, the warrior raised his face and looked about him with 
a steady eye. His firmly compressed lips then severed, and 
for the first time during the long ceremonies his voice was dis- 
tinctly audible. 

‘‘Why do my brothers mourn,” he said; “why do my 
daughters weep, that a young man has gone to the happy 
hunting-grounds; that a chief has filled his time with honor? 
He was good; he was dutiful; he was brave. Who can deny 
it ? The Manitou had need of such a warrior, and he has 
called him away. As for me, I am alone ” 

“ Ho, no,” cried Hawkeye, “ no. Sagamore, not alone. The 
gifts of our colors may be different, but God has so placed us : 


THE SAGAMORE NOT ALONE. 


201 


as to journey in the same path. I have no kin, and I may also 
say, like you, no people. He was your son, and a red-skin by 
nature; and it may be that your blood was nearer — but if ever 
I forget the lad who has so often font at my side in war, 
and slept at my side in peace, may He who made us all forget 
me. The boy has left us for a time; but. Sagamore, you are 
not alone,” 

Chingachgook grasped the hand that, in the warmth of 
feeling, the scout had stretched across the fresh earth, and 
in that attitude of friendship these two sturdy and intrepid 
woodsmen bowed their heads together, while scalding tears 
fell to their feet, watering the grave of Uncas like drops of 
falling rain. 

In the midst of the awful stillness with which such a burst 
of feeling, coming, as it did, from the two most renowned 
warriors of that region, was received, Tamenund lifted his 
voice to disperse the multitude. 

‘Ht is enough,” he said. “Go, children of the Lenape, 
the anger of the Manitou is not done. Why should Tame- 
nund stay ? The pale-faces are masters of the earth, and the 
time of the red men has not yet come again. My day has 
been too long. In the morning I saw the sons of Unamis 
happy and strong; and yet, before the night has come, have I 
lived to see the last warrior of the wise race of the Mohicans.” 


/ 



t 



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engllsb Authors 

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Paul Dombey (from Dombey and Son), No. 14, single (abr.), 128 pp. 

SCOTT — *Ivanhoe, No. 24 (abr.), 180 pp. * Kenilworth, No. 7 (abr.), 
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Double Number 29 


February, 1898 


J. FENIMORE COOPER 


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No. 1 (Single). THE SPY, - - — - By J. Fenimore Cooper. 

“ 2 (Double). THE PILOT, - - - By J. Fenimore Cooper. 

“ 3 (Single). ROB ROY, - _ - - By Sir Walter Scott, 

“ 4(Single). THE ALHAMBRA, - By Washington Irving. 

“ r>(SiHgle). CHRISTMAS STORIES. By Charles Dickens. 

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“ 21 (Single). EVANGELINE, - - By H. W. Longfellow. 

“ 22 (Single). LITTLE NELL, - - By Charles Dickens. 

“ 23 (Single). KNICKERBOCKER STORIES, By Wash’n Irving. 
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“ 25 (Single). ROBINSON CRUSOE, By Daniel Defoe. 

“ 26 (Double). POEMS OF KNIGHTLY ADVENTURE, 

By Tennyson, Matthew Arnold, Macaulay, Lowell. 
“ 27 (Double). THE WATER WITCH, By J. Fenimore Cooper. 
“ 28 (Single). TALES OF A GRANDFATHER, 

By Sir Walter Scott. 

“ 29 (Double). THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, 

By J. Fenimore Cooper. 


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